NATHAN HASTINGS FROM CREWE SENTENCED FOR ONLINE GROOMING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT OF 11-YEAR-OLD BOY

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming, Nathan Hastings, a 26-year-old man from Crewe, has been sentenced to prison for his heinous actions involving an 11-year-old boy. The incident began in 2014 when Hastings first made contact with his young victim through the Xbox Live gaming platform, initiating a disturbing 16-month campaign of manipulation and control.

During this period, Hastings used the online gaming environment as a means to groom the boy, gradually gaining his trust and influence. His manipulative tactics were so effective that they severely impacted the child's ability to enjoy his childhood, leaving him feeling isolated from friends and family. The grooming process was not limited to online interactions; Hastings also traveled from Crewe to Manchester daily to visit the boy in person, further cementing his control over the young victim.

The situation escalated when Hastings sexually assaulted the boy on two separate occasions, acts that have left a lasting scar on the young victim's life. The court heard that his actions were part of a calculated effort to exploit the child's innocence and trust.

Hastings, who resides on Tatton Road in Crewe, was brought before Minshull Street Crown Court, where he faced charges of grooming and two counts of sexual assault. On Friday, October 20, he was found guilty of these serious offences and subsequently sentenced to four years in prison. The court's decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the profound impact they have had on the young boy's life.