SCOT UMPHRAY FROM STAPLEFORD JAILED FOR ABDUCTION AND SEXUAL GROOMING OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN NOTTINGHAM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Nottingham community, Scot Umphray, a 31-year-old man from Derby Road, Stapleford, has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in the abduction and grooming of a 14-year-old girl. The incident unfolded over a period of weeks, revealing a troubling pattern of manipulation and exploitation.

According to court proceedings, Umphray was found to have lured the young girl, who was still a minor, into his home after initially meeting her in a library located in Nottingham city centre. Their acquaintance quickly developed into a troubling relationship after he sent her a message via Facebook. During their online interactions, Umphray falsely claimed to be 22 years old, concealing his true age. It was only later that the girl discovered his real age, but despite this revelation, she expressed her feelings for him, stating to police, “I don’t care. I really like him.”

The court heard that the two shared a kiss, although they did not engage in sexual activity. However, the relationship was characterized by grooming behavior, with the prosecution revealing that Umphray told the girl he would wait until he was ready to engage in further actions. Dawn Pritchard, the prosecutor, emphasized the manipulative nature of the relationship, stating, “There has been an element of grooming here. He told her he would wait until he was ready to do other things.”

Despite a warning issued by police on April 5, which barred Umphray from making any contact with the girl, the young teenager later left her Nottingham home on May 9 and stayed out overnight. The following morning, police visited his flat and found the girl hiding in an airing cupboard, where she had been encouraged to take refuge by Umphray himself. The court was informed that the offence occurred while Umphray was on a suspended sentence for assaulting a former partner, adding to the seriousness of his actions.

Nottingham’s most senior judge, Judge Michael Stokes QC, addressed the court during sentencing, highlighting the vulnerability of the young girl and the significant age disparity involved. He stated, “With an age gap of this proportion, it has to be made clear with this sort of involvement with children – and she is a child – that custody will follow.” The judge also remarked on the broader issue of early physical maturity among young girls, noting that while they may appear physically mature, their psychological and emotional development often lags behind.

Umphray pleaded guilty to charges of abduction and engaging in sexual activity with a child. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and received a one-year prison term. The court also emphasized the importance of protecting minors from individuals who seek to exploit their vulnerabilities, especially in cases involving significant age differences and grooming behaviors.