NICHOLAS CULPAN FROM FOLKESTONE SENTENCED AFTER GROOMING AND SEX WITH 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL NEAR CANTERBURY HARBOUR

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Folkestone, a young girl who had just celebrated her 13th birthday was targeted and groomed by a man for sexual encounters on Folkestone beach, a court heard. The incident highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians.

According to court proceedings, the girl, a schoolchild, had engaged in highly explicit and sexually charged conversations with Nicholas Culpan, a 19-year-old man, on the social networking site Facebook. The exchanges between them were described as intense and provocative, with the girl openly discussing sexual topics. It was revealed during police interviews that she was not a virgin at the time of the incident, further emphasizing the seriousness of the case.

Prosecutor Francesca Levett explained that Culpan was aware of the girl’s age when they arranged to meet. The two initially connected online and, after two days of communication, agreed to meet in person in Folkestone. The girl met Culpan at Folkestone Bus Station, where they exchanged greetings through a hug and a kiss before heading to the beach area. The court was told that the two then undressed and engaged in consensual sexual activity on the beach.

Further into the investigation, it was established that the pair later moved to nearby tunnels, where they were observed engaging in sexual activity once again. The girl confirmed during police questioning that, despite being just over a week past her 13th birthday, she was not a virgin at the time of these encounters. Culpan admitted that he knew her age when they met and stated that he 'fancied her,' although he initially denied having sex with her.

Defense lawyer David Osborne argued that Culpan was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at the time, as he had been a victim in an accidental shooting. He described Culpan as a young man with limited maturity and emotional resilience. The lawyer also pointed out that the girl had communicated with Culpan in a sexually explicit manner via Facebook and text messages, indicating her willingness to engage in sexual activity when they met. Osborne emphasized that Culpan was impulsive and unable to resist the sexually charged conversations, but he insisted that his client was not a predator, describing him as shy, remorseful, and frightened.

Ultimately, Culpan was sentenced to 12 months in jail, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete a 104-hour sex offenders' rehabilitation program and will be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of ten years. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by online interactions and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people from exploitation.