RICHARD BRAGGER SENTENCED IN REDDITCH AND WOODROW FOR GROOMING TEEN ON FACEBOOK

In a significant case highlighting the dangers of online grooming, Richard Bragger, a 41-year-old man from Astley Close, Woodrow, was sentenced to two years in prison at Worcester Crown Court on Monday, July 15. Bragger had pleaded guilty to charges of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, a serious offense that underscores the risks posed by social media platforms to vulnerable minors.

Bragger's criminal actions involved establishing a relationship with a 14-year-old girl through Facebook, a popular social networking site. Over a period of time, he engaged in regular and intimate conversations with her, fully aware of her young age. His interactions were of a sexual nature, which ultimately led to his arrest after the girl’s mother became suspicious of the contact and discovered the messages. The mother’s vigilance was crucial in bringing the case to light and preventing further harm.

Following his conviction, Bragger was not only sentenced to two years behind bars but also ordered to register as a sex offender for a decade. Additionally, he was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which aims to restrict his activities and monitor his behavior to prevent any future offenses.

Detective Constable Matt Skelton, of West Mercia Police’s Child Protection Unit, commented on the case, emphasizing Bragger’s awareness of the victim’s age. “Bragger was fully aware that the girl was only 14,” he stated. He also highlighted the broader issue of online safety, noting that social networking sites like Facebook provide predators with an accessible avenue to target young people without physical contact.

Det Con Skelton issued a warning to parents, especially with the school holidays approaching, when many teenagers are left unsupervised online. He stressed the importance of parental vigilance and recommended that families restrict internet use to communal areas such as the living room, rather than allowing children to access the internet privately in bedrooms via laptops or mobile phones.

He further advised parents to establish clear rules regarding internet use and to regularly review their children’s online friends and activities. “Open communication and showing interest in what children are doing online can make a significant difference,” he explained. “Children are more likely to confide in their parents if they feel approachable and supported, especially if they encounter something online that makes them uncomfortable or worried.”