NELSON MAN MICHAEL LOCKWOOD SENTENCED FOR GROOMING GIRL IN GUILDFORD
In March 2007, Michael Lockwood, a 23-year-old resident of Nelson, was sentenced to 3½ years in prison after grooming a 12-year-old girl online and traveling across the country to meet her in hotel rooms.Lockwood exchanged sexual stories via chat rooms and text messages with the underage girl before arranging hotel stays in Banbury, Oxfordshire, and Guildford, Surrey, where they eventually met.
Judge Michael Addison at Guildford Crown Court reminded Lockwood of his actions, stating, "You asked her for naked pictures and she sent them to you.
She said she was in love with you and you said you loved her.
By this time you knew she was just 12." In December 2005, when Lockwood was 21 and the girl was 13, they planned a meet-up, leading him to book a hotel in Banbury.
They kissed and cuddled there, but no sexual act occurred.
A month later, Lockwood traveled approximately 250 miles to a hotel in Guildford, where sexual activities took place.
The girl, who cannot be identified due to legal restrictions, confided in her school friends about the relationship, leading to Lockwood's arrest last July.
He pleaded guilty to charges including meeting a child following sexual grooming, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual activity with a minor.
Defense lawyer Mr.
Anthony Brigden expressed remorse on Lockwood’s behalf and noted that no sexual contact actually occurred, stating, "He did not push the matter.
He stopped when he could have gone further." Upon sentencing, Lockwood was also issued a sexual harm prevention order prohibiting him from associating with children, accessing child-related websites, or contacting the victim.
Additionally, he will be registered as a sex offender for life.
Judge Addison emphasized Lockwood’s deliberate planning, stating, "You deliberately set up these meetings and booked these hotels in Banbury and Guildford.
You knew perfectly well what you were doing with this relationship." He also highlighted the girl’s active involvement, remarking, "Girls of this age must be protected from themselves."
