SCOTT LOWNDES BINGLEY SEXUAL GROOMING SCANDAL AT BRADFORD CROWN COURT
| Red Rose Database
Bingley Child Sexual Abuser
In May 2015, a disturbing case unfolded at Bradford Crown Court involving Scott Lowndes, a resident of Crosley Wood Road, Bingley, who was accused of using social media to groom underage boys. The court heard that Lowndes, aged 20 at the time, engaged in a series of manipulative and predatory behaviors aimed at young boys, employing Facebook as his platform of choice to carry out his illicit activities.
According to prosecutor Katherine Robinson, Lowndes deliberately falsified his age on Facebook, creating a profile that portrayed him as a 16-year-old. His profile picture was of a person who appeared to be that age, which he used to lure vulnerable minors. The court was informed that he exchanged indecent photographs with a 13-year-old boy, sharing explicit images of himself and receiving similar images in return. This exchange of inappropriate material was part of his grooming process, designed to build a false sense of trust and intimacy.
Lowndes also attempted to arrange a physical meeting with the 13-year-old, suggesting they meet up in person. However, the boy confided in his mother, who promptly refused permission for any such encounter. In addition to this, Lowndes contacted a 14-year-old boy, claiming to be 17 years old, and proposed to meet him at a hotel. These actions demonstrated a clear pattern of grooming and manipulation, aimed at exploiting the innocence of the young victims.
It was revealed during the proceedings that Lowndes had a lengthy criminal record, primarily involving minor offenses, which underscored a pattern of low-level criminal behavior. His barrister, Stephen Wood, argued in mitigation that Lowndes was a vulnerable and troubled young man. Mr. Wood emphasized that there was no concrete plan to meet the boys, suggesting that the entire scheme might have been more of a fantasy than a genuine intent to commit harm. He pointed out that Lowndes had cooperated fully with police, pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity and providing a frank account of his actions.
Furthermore, Mr. Wood highlighted that Lowndes was battling psychological issues, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and had a positive report from his probation officer. His sister, present in court to support him, was willing to allow him to live with her, indicating some level of familial support and concern.
Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC addressed the court, describing the offenses as very serious and troubling. He sentenced Lowndes to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, with conditions including supervision and participation in a high-level activity program with the probation service. The judge emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “If you start messing about with kids, I will send you to prison.”
Additionally, Lowndes was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order with indefinite duration and was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years. The court’s verdict underscored the importance of safeguarding minors from predators like Lowndes and sent a clear message about the consequences of such predatory behavior.
According to prosecutor Katherine Robinson, Lowndes deliberately falsified his age on Facebook, creating a profile that portrayed him as a 16-year-old. His profile picture was of a person who appeared to be that age, which he used to lure vulnerable minors. The court was informed that he exchanged indecent photographs with a 13-year-old boy, sharing explicit images of himself and receiving similar images in return. This exchange of inappropriate material was part of his grooming process, designed to build a false sense of trust and intimacy.
Lowndes also attempted to arrange a physical meeting with the 13-year-old, suggesting they meet up in person. However, the boy confided in his mother, who promptly refused permission for any such encounter. In addition to this, Lowndes contacted a 14-year-old boy, claiming to be 17 years old, and proposed to meet him at a hotel. These actions demonstrated a clear pattern of grooming and manipulation, aimed at exploiting the innocence of the young victims.
It was revealed during the proceedings that Lowndes had a lengthy criminal record, primarily involving minor offenses, which underscored a pattern of low-level criminal behavior. His barrister, Stephen Wood, argued in mitigation that Lowndes was a vulnerable and troubled young man. Mr. Wood emphasized that there was no concrete plan to meet the boys, suggesting that the entire scheme might have been more of a fantasy than a genuine intent to commit harm. He pointed out that Lowndes had cooperated fully with police, pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity and providing a frank account of his actions.
Furthermore, Mr. Wood highlighted that Lowndes was battling psychological issues, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and had a positive report from his probation officer. His sister, present in court to support him, was willing to allow him to live with her, indicating some level of familial support and concern.
Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC addressed the court, describing the offenses as very serious and troubling. He sentenced Lowndes to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, with conditions including supervision and participation in a high-level activity program with the probation service. The judge emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “If you start messing about with kids, I will send you to prison.”
Additionally, Lowndes was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order with indefinite duration and was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years. The court’s verdict underscored the importance of safeguarding minors from predators like Lowndes and sent a clear message about the consequences of such predatory behavior.