PAUL HAWKER FROM WOODSETTON JAILED FOR ONLINE GROOMING IN DUDLEY AND WOLVERHAMPTON

In June 2017, a disturbing case of online grooming resulted in the imprisonment of Paul Hawker, a resident of Woodsetton, Dudley. Hawker, aged 55, engaged in a calculated scheme to manipulate and exploit a 13-year-old girl through digital communication platforms. The incident was brought to light when the girl’s parents, suspecting something was amiss, confiscated her iPad as a joke. Their suspicions grew when the girl reacted excessively to their actions, prompting further investigation.

Prosecutor Sati Ruck explained that Hawker had taken deliberate steps to establish a clandestine online relationship with the young girl. He created a fake identity, posing as a 15-year-old boy, to initiate contact. Recognizing the importance of maintaining the illusion, Hawker encouraged the girl to set up a secret online file where they could exchange private messages away from prying eyes. To deepen the deception, he fabricated another persona, claiming to be the teenage sister of the supposed schoolboy, thereby perpetuating the ‘fantasy’ and gaining the girl’s trust.

Hawker’s manipulative tactics extended further when he used an instant messaging app to communicate with the girl. Their conversations quickly turned inappropriate, with Hawker asking her for photographs and discussing intimate topics such as kissing and cuddling at bedtime. His sinister plans escalated when he created a fictitious 17-year-old girl named Tina, purportedly the sister, believing that an older persona would be more trustworthy. Through Tina, Hawker continued to encourage the girl to discuss sexual matters.

In a disturbing turn, the ‘sister’ character told the victim that her brother was hospitalized and then suggested that the girl send him photographs of her breasts to help him feel better. Hawker also persuaded her to perform sexual acts, urging her not to be shy. Although he attempted to coax her into sending naked photographs, she did not comply. Once the parents confiscated the iPad, they examined its contents and uncovered the extent of Hawker’s grooming activities. They promptly contacted the police, leading to his arrest.

During police interviews, Hawker admitted to pretending to be a 14-year-old girl on social media. It was also revealed that he had created a fan club dedicated to the American girl band Fifth Harmony, which attracted hundreds of teenage followers worldwide, further illustrating his manipulative use of online platforms.

Judge Nicholas Syfret QC addressed the court, emphasizing the dangers of online interactions. He warned that individuals seeking social relationships on the internet are vulnerable to exploitation by predators, which can result in severe psychological harm or worse if actual contact occurs. Hawker, of Parkes Hall Road, pleaded guilty to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison and was subjected to an unlimited Sexual Harm Prevention Order to prevent further offenses.