NICHOLAS REDGATE FROM TUNSTALL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRLS IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a case that has shocked the local community of Stoke-on-Trent, Nicholas Redgate, an 18-year-old resident of Tunstall, was found guilty of engaging in illegal sexual activities with underage girls after establishing online connections through Facebook. The disturbing series of events unfolded when Redgate befriended a 13-year-old girl via the social media platform, exchanging intimate photographs and engaging in inappropriate conversations.

According to court proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Redgate and the young victim communicated extensively online, with the teenager initially claiming to be 16 before revealing her actual age of 13. Despite the age discrepancy, Redgate continued to pursue the relationship, with the court hearing that he assured her that their connection could remain secret. During their online exchanges, Redgate sent explicit images of himself, including photographs showing his genitals, and encouraged the girl to send similar images of herself, which she did, revealing her bra and breasts.

The court was told that the pair arranged to meet in person, and after a few dates, they engaged in sexual activity on four separate occasions. The girl’s mother eventually discovered the inappropriate relationship and promptly reported Redgate to the police, leading to his arrest and subsequent prosecution.

Further investigations revealed that Redgate had also befriended another young girl, aged 14, through Facebook earlier that year. The court heard that he engaged her in conversations that quickly turned sexual, sending her explicit messages and photographs. The girl, concerned about her safety and privacy, stopped replying to him and confided in her mother and aunt about the messages. She admitted to her family that she had been involved in the online exchanges.

It was also disclosed that Redgate had previously been cautioned by police in October 2016 for similar conduct, indicating a pattern of concerning behavior. Despite this, he continued to engage in activities that put minors at risk.

Redgate pleaded guilty to three charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, as well as one count of sexual activity with a child. The court, presided over by Judge David Fletcher, sentenced him to a three-year community order. As part of the sentence, Redgate is required to complete a specialized program aimed at addressing his offending behavior.

Judge Fletcher emphasized the importance of rehabilitation, stating, “I think there is a sufficient prospect of rehabilitation in your case. You have to grow up very quickly and understand that this sort of behavior will never be tolerated, and any future misconduct will result in immediate imprisonment.” Additionally, Redgate was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his contact with minors and limits his use of computers. He will also be registered as a sex offender for the next five years, underscoring the seriousness of his crimes and the community’s need for ongoing protection.