GRANTHAM SEX OFFENDER ROBERT MARGERUM SENTENCED FOR GROOMING YOUNG BROTHERS IN SHOCKING CASE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Grantham, a 30-year-old man named Robert Margerum has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of grooming and attempting to exploit two young boys. The incident came to light in July 2018, when Margerum, who previously resided in Castlegate, Grantham, engaged in a series of inappropriate online communications with the brothers, aged eight and nine.

According to court proceedings, Margerum falsely claimed to be an 11-year-old during his online interactions with the boys. He requested the younger boy to send an indecent photograph of his genitals and involved the children in a game of truth or dare, during which he asked one of them to remove his top. These actions demonstrated a clear pattern of predatory behavior aimed at the vulnerable children.

The case was brought to light when the mother of the boys accidentally discovered the ongoing contact. She overheard her nine-year-old son speaking on his phone from his bedroom, saying, “I don’t want my family to know about you.” Concerned, she entered the room and demanded to know who he was talking to. The boy attempted to hide the phone, but the mother soon uncovered that he had been communicating with Margerum via FaceTime.

Following this discovery, the mother promptly contacted local police authorities in South Wales. Lincolnshire Police responded swiftly by visiting Margerum’s residence in Castlegate, Grantham, where they examined his phone records and internet activity. During police interviews, Margerum denied any knowledge of the boys or any contact with them. However, an investigation revealed that he had contacted the children multiple times in December of the previous year.

It was also revealed that Margerum was not new to the justice system. He was already under surveillance by authorities and subject to a sexual offences prevention order, having previously been jailed for sex offences in 2011. Despite these restrictions, he continued to pursue contact with young children, which the court described as a serious breach of trust and safety.

During sentencing, Recorder Gareth Evans QC emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “It has to be prison. You are a persistent pervert. You are interested in young children and try desperately to get in touch with them.” Margerum was consequently sentenced to five years in prison and was also handed a 15-year sexual harm prevention order, aimed at restricting his future contact with minors and preventing further offenses. The case underscores the ongoing dangers posed by individuals with a history of sexual offences and highlights the importance of vigilance and swift law enforcement action to protect vulnerable children in communities like Grantham.