PETER HARGRAVE'S SHOCKING ONLINE PREDATION IN LEICESTER REVEALED
In September 2020, a disturbing case unfolded in Leicester involving Peter Hargrave, a 62-year-old man whose secret online activities were brought to light through the efforts of paedophile hunters.Hargrave, who was married and had a family, was caught engaging in sexualized conversations with what he believed to be underage girls, but who were actually decoys posing as minors.
Hargrave’s online interactions revealed a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.
Despite being told by three different decoys—posing as girls aged 12, 13, and 14—that they were minors, he persisted in pursuing sexualized exchanges.
During these conversations, he described the girl he believed to be 13 as “secret, but naughty,” and when asked if they could meet, he responded with a suggestive remark: “Only if your family know, baby.” He also inquired about their vital statistics, expressing a desire to buy them underwear should they meet up, indicating a disturbing intent.
Hargrave, who falsely claimed during these chats to be in his 40s, asked the decoys for photographs in their pyjamas and even sent images of himself in boxer shorts.
His conversations included questions about their bodies and personal relationships, such as asking the girl he thought was 12 about her breasts and boyfriends, and suggesting she try sex, claiming she would “enjoy it.” He also offered to be her boyfriend, further demonstrating his inappropriate intentions.
When the girl questioned whether she was too young, Hargrave responded with a chilling remark: “not if your parents don’t know.” The third decoy, claiming to be 14, was asked to send full-body photographs, and Hargrave even proposed taking a shower with her and meeting at lunchtime.
These exchanges clearly indicated his attempt to establish a sexual relationship under false pretenses.
Following an organized confrontation by paedophile hunters, Hargrave was arrested in Leicester.
During police questioning, he admitted that although he derived gratification from these interactions, he claimed his actions were meant to educate the girls about what might be coming in their lives.
He insisted he was offering “educational support” for teenage girls, a justification that was met with skepticism by authorities.
Investigators searched Hargrave’s home in Leicester’s Newfoundpool area and examined his internet devices.
Remarkably, no evidence of indecent images of children was found.
It was also noted that Hargrave had no prior convictions, making this case particularly shocking.
His life had been significantly impacted by his actions; he became homeless and was shunned by his family, losing everything because of his offending.
Hargrave pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates’ Court in August to three counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child—each corresponding to one of the decoy accounts—covering the period of October and November 2018.
The case was then sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.
During sentencing, Recorder Stuart Sprawson highlighted the gravity of Hargrave’s conduct.
He emphasized that Hargrave had deliberately sought out contact with what he believed were underage girls, using highly sexual language and pursuing these conversations for his own gratification.
The court noted that Hargrave falsely claimed to be 40, when in fact he was 62, and that his remorse appeared insincere, as he tried to justify his actions as “educational.” Recorder Sprawson described Hargrave’s behavior as delusional and inappropriate, stating that he needed intensive intervention from the probation service to address his “appalling behavior.” As a result, Hargrave was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and participate in a 25-day rehabilitation activity program.
Furthermore, Hargrave was placed under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order with strict restrictions and will be required to register as a sex offender for the same period, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and preventing further harm.
