RICHARD KLOSS HORLEY SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED AFTER CHILD GROOMING IN ST ALBANS
| Red Rose Database
Horley Child Sexual Abuser
In April 2008, Richard Kloss, a 34-year-old man from Horley, Surrey, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison at St Albans Crown Court after admitting to multiple charges related to child sexual abuse. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming and exploitation carried out by Kloss, who targeted vulnerable young girls through internet chat rooms.
Prosecutor Helen Lewer detailed how Kloss used online platforms to lure young girls into exposing themselves and engaging in sexual activities via webcam. His predatory behavior culminated in a meeting with a 15-year-old girl from St Albans, whom he had been communicating with for several weeks. The girl, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was met at St Albans City station in May 2007 after their online conversations. Kloss had falsely claimed to be 22 years old, lying about his age to gain her trust.
Despite learning her true age, Kloss showed no concern and continued his pursuit of sexual contact. The two met on two separate occasions, each time with Kloss driving the girl to his residence, where they engaged in sexual activity. During the second encounter, Kloss recorded the act on video while the girl was dressed in her school uniform, a fact that added to the severity of his offenses.
Judge John Plumstead addressed Kloss directly, stating, “You drove her a long way and I know that during that journey your grooming continued because she was talking about meeting your cat while you were thinking about having sex with her.” The judge emphasized the calculated nature of Kloss’s actions, highlighting his use of online chat rooms to identify and exploit vulnerable minors. “You were in these chat rooms searching for vulnerable young girls who you could groom and in the end abuse,” he added.
In November 2007, Kloss pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of meeting a child following sexual grooming, three counts of sexual activity with a child, four counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, and four counts of possessing indecent images found on his computer. The court heard how these crimes demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior aimed at exploiting minors.
Defense lawyer Nicholas Corsellis attempted to mitigate Kloss’s actions, stating that once his client realized the reckless and criminal nature of his conduct, he withdrew from the victim and ceased contact. Corsellis noted that Kloss had also entered into a new relationship and had been subjected to assaults by fellow inmates, which left him bruised and battered. Despite these arguments, the judge condemned Kloss as a dangerous predator who deliberately sought out vulnerable teenage girls online for abuse.
As a result, Kloss was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was issued a 15-year sexual offences prevention order. Detective Inspector Paul Doran commented after the sentencing, reassuring the public that such offenders are rare but that law enforcement remains vigilant. Authorities are urging parents to educate their children about online safety, specifically advising them not to share personal details or any identifying information when using internet chat rooms, to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.
Prosecutor Helen Lewer detailed how Kloss used online platforms to lure young girls into exposing themselves and engaging in sexual activities via webcam. His predatory behavior culminated in a meeting with a 15-year-old girl from St Albans, whom he had been communicating with for several weeks. The girl, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was met at St Albans City station in May 2007 after their online conversations. Kloss had falsely claimed to be 22 years old, lying about his age to gain her trust.
Despite learning her true age, Kloss showed no concern and continued his pursuit of sexual contact. The two met on two separate occasions, each time with Kloss driving the girl to his residence, where they engaged in sexual activity. During the second encounter, Kloss recorded the act on video while the girl was dressed in her school uniform, a fact that added to the severity of his offenses.
Judge John Plumstead addressed Kloss directly, stating, “You drove her a long way and I know that during that journey your grooming continued because she was talking about meeting your cat while you were thinking about having sex with her.” The judge emphasized the calculated nature of Kloss’s actions, highlighting his use of online chat rooms to identify and exploit vulnerable minors. “You were in these chat rooms searching for vulnerable young girls who you could groom and in the end abuse,” he added.
In November 2007, Kloss pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of meeting a child following sexual grooming, three counts of sexual activity with a child, four counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, and four counts of possessing indecent images found on his computer. The court heard how these crimes demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior aimed at exploiting minors.
Defense lawyer Nicholas Corsellis attempted to mitigate Kloss’s actions, stating that once his client realized the reckless and criminal nature of his conduct, he withdrew from the victim and ceased contact. Corsellis noted that Kloss had also entered into a new relationship and had been subjected to assaults by fellow inmates, which left him bruised and battered. Despite these arguments, the judge condemned Kloss as a dangerous predator who deliberately sought out vulnerable teenage girls online for abuse.
As a result, Kloss was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was issued a 15-year sexual offences prevention order. Detective Inspector Paul Doran commented after the sentencing, reassuring the public that such offenders are rare but that law enforcement remains vigilant. Authorities are urging parents to educate their children about online safety, specifically advising them not to share personal details or any identifying information when using internet chat rooms, to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.