PAUL WHITESIDE LOUTH EDL LEADER CONVICTED OF ABDUCTING SCHOOLGIRL IN LINCOLNSHIRE AND DERBYSHIRE

In September 2017, a disturbing case unfolded involving Paul Whiteside, a prominent figure associated with the English Defence League (EDL) from Louth, Lincolnshire. Whiteside, known for his vocal campaigns against child grooming and his accusations linking Muslim gangs to the abuse of young girls, found himself at the center of a criminal investigation that revealed a troubling personal connection to a minor.

Whiteside, aged 47 at the time, had been actively involved in organizing protests and rallies on behalf of the far-right group. He held the position of self-appointed director for three factions, including the Louth EDL and Lincolnshire EDL, and was known for his outspoken stance against what he claimed were grooming gangs operating within mosques across the UK. His public defense of anti-Islam posters plastered on a Lincoln mosque last year further underscored his controversial reputation.

However, the court proceedings uncovered a far more sinister aspect of Whiteside’s activities. Lincoln Crown Court heard that Whiteside had developed a relationship with a 15-year-old girl through his connections within the EDL. This relationship, which the court described as grooming, involved multiple meetings after school hours, during which Whiteside would chat with the girl for extended periods, sometimes up to an hour. Neighbors, alarmed by his behavior, took photographs of the pair and reported their concerns to the police.

The situation escalated when the girl, feeling threatened by her family’s concerns, contacted Whiteside and warned him that he was “in danger and at risk of violence.” Subsequently, she ran away from her home, and Whiteside took her from his residence in Louth to his mother’s house in Derbyshire. The police were alerted by Whiteside’s mother, who reported that her son had lied extensively during questioning. Whiteside’s attempts to deny involvement did not prevent his arrest and subsequent charges.

During the investigation, authorities discovered photographs on Whiteside’s phone depicting the girl in various states of undress, including images of her in a bath. Although there was no evidence of sexual activity, the presence of these photographs raised serious concerns. Whiteside later admitted to child abduction, specifically acknowledging that he kept the girl away from her mother in October 2016.

Whiteside’s defense did not include allegations of sexual misconduct, but his actions and the photographs found on his device painted a disturbing picture. He was convicted of child abduction and was sentenced to a suspended jail term. Additionally, he was issued a 10-year sexual harm prevention order to restrict his contact with minors.

Judge Simon Hirst, presiding over the case, delivered a stern verdict. He criticized Whiteside for lying to the police and highlighted the disturbing nature of the photographs found on his phone. The judge noted that Whiteside had served six weeks on remand, which was taken into account when suspending the prison sentence. The court also acknowledged Whiteside’s health issues, including kidney disease requiring dialysis three times a week.

The EDL responded to the case by stating that Whiteside had been “relieved” of his position within the organization. The group condemned any form of exploitative or abusive behavior, especially crimes involving children. Their statement emphasized a clear stance against child sexual exploitation and grooming, asserting that they would not support or defend individuals involved in such actions.