RICHARD TIGHE SENTENCED IN NUNEATON FOR SEXUAL GROOMING AND PREDATORY BEHAVIOR

A man from Nuneaton, Richard Tighe, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to grooming a 14-year-old girl and encouraging her to send explicit images of herself. The court also ordered Tighe, aged 28 and residing on Willow Close, Hartshill, to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the severity of his actions and the need for ongoing monitoring.

Prosecutor Gerald Bermingham explained that although Tighe and the girl did meet in person in September of the previous year, no sexual activity actually took place during their encounter. The case centered around the online interactions that preceded their meeting, which were characterized by the use of sophisticated methods to conceal Tighe’s intentions. Bermingham clarified that Tighe and the girl initially connected through the internet, with the girl providing evidence that he was aware of her age from an early stage of their communication.

It was revealed that Tighe exploited a vulnerable individual by using a friend’s computer to communicate with the girl. This method was believed to be an attempt to avoid detection by authorities. Their conversations took place over various platforms, including Skype and Facebook, and involved dozens of text messages. As their online relationship progressed, Tighe repeatedly asked the girl to send increasingly explicit images of herself, which she did, and in return, he sent her intimate photographs of himself.

During the court proceedings, Judge Sylvia de Bertodano acknowledged that there was mention of the girl’s images being shown to Tighe’s friend. However, she clarified that there was no concrete evidence supporting this claim, aside from the statements made by the friend himself. Defense lawyer Matthew Brooke argued that Tighe’s use of the friend’s computer was not an act of manipulation but rather a practical choice due to his lack of internet access at home. Brooke emphasized that Tighe and the friend had known each other since their time at a special school, and Tighe’s visits to his friend’s address were not motivated by a desire to hide his identity.

Brooke also explained that Tighe and the girl initially connected after both registered on different but related adult websites. Their initial interactions were innocent, with Tighe simply seeking friendship. After a period of no contact, the girl reinitiated communication, asking for Tighe’s mobile number so they could exchange texts and conduct Skype calls. Brooke stressed that Tighe made it clear that he would not engage in sexual activity until the girl turned 16, and although there was a Skype conversation where she was naked after showering, and he requested images of her performing sex acts, no such images were actually sent.

Pre-sentence reports suggested that alternatives to custody could be considered, but the judge was unequivocal in her sentencing. Judge de Bertodano condemned Tighe’s actions, stating, “In the summer of last year, you started chatting with a 14-year-old girl after she had put herself onto a dating site. You quickly realized her age but continued to pursue her. You persuaded her to send naked pictures of herself. It is particularly disturbing that you used someone else’s computer to facilitate this, and it is equally troubling that you blame her to some extent for continuing the relationship.”

The judge emphasized the vulnerability of children at this stage of life, highlighting the importance of protecting minors from exploitation, especially in the digital age. She concluded by warning that anyone who preys on children online will face serious consequences, including imprisonment, to safeguard their well-being and uphold societal standards.