PAUL COULTHWAITE FROM NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS JAILED FOR GROOMING PLOT AT PRESTON MCDONALD'S

In April 2021, Paul Coulthwaite, a man from Newton-le-Willows, was sentenced to prison after engaging in a disturbing attempt to meet a child for sexual purposes at a McDonald's in Preston, Lancashire. Coulthwaite, aged 55, had planned to meet what he believed was a 12-year-old girl at the fast-food restaurant, bringing along items such as baby wipes, WKD alcohol, and Mini Eggs, which he intended to give her as part of his grooming process.

He had previously communicated with what he thought was a young girl, calling her 'sexy' and expressing a desire for a secret meeting, aiming to lure her away from her home. His intentions became clear when he traveled from his residence on Haydock Street in Newton-le-Willows to the Preston location on Longsands on February 12, 2021. Coulthwaite had asked the girl what she wanted him to bring, and she requested WKD, which he brought with him.

However, instead of meeting a schoolgirl, Coulthwaite was met by police officers who had been tipped off about his plans. During the arrest, officers discovered not only the alcohol but also baby wipes, a kitchen towel, a gift-wrapped necklace with the girl’s name, chocolates, Mini Eggs, and a necklace in a gift bag. These items indicated his intent to groom and manipulate what he believed to be a young girl.

Prosecutor Christopher Hopkins detailed Coulthwaite’s interactions with officers posing as a 13-year-old girl named Paige between January 7 and January 19, 2021. During these conversations, Coulthwaite made inappropriate comments, including admitting he was 'a bit horny' shortly after initiating contact. He expressed a desire to meet for cuddling and kissing, even suggesting they could shower together. When the 'girl' said she was going to bed, Coulthwaite told her she should perform a sex act on herself, revealing his disturbing intentions.

In addition, Coulthwaite engaged in similar conversations with another girl he believed to be 12 years old, named Rebecca, from January 8 to February 10, 2021. He repeatedly called her pretty and sexy, and discussed meeting her away from her home when lockdown restrictions eased. He also expressed a desire for them to be 'online boyfriend and girlfriend' and insisted that their contact remain secret. Coulthwaite listed various sexual acts he wanted to perform and expressed hope that their interactions would lead to physical intimacy.

Judge Thomas Teague, QC, presided over the case and confirmed Coulthwaite’s sexual intent when he arrived at the Preston McDonald's. The judge pointed out that Coulthwaite’s actions, including the items he brought, demonstrated his grooming behavior. The court heard that Coulthwaite had previously been arrested for other offences but had sought help at that time, which was unsuccessful.

In his sentencing, Judge Teague emphasized that Coulthwaite’s guilty plea and the evidence presented warranted a significant prison term. Coulthwaite was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. Additionally, he was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life, which prohibits him from being in the presence of any child under 16 unless social services are aware and have approved.

The judge expressed strong disapproval of Coulthwaite’s actions, stating that he would have likely gone through with the meeting if not stopped by police, and that his behavior was indicative of a clear intent to exploit and harm children. The court noted that Coulthwaite did not fully accept responsibility for his actions and was still struggling with guilt, which was taken into account during sentencing.