SIMON FAWCETT CAUGHT IN CHEADLE ONLINE GROOMING SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming, Simon Fawcett, a 45-year-old man from Cheadle, was sentenced to 15 months in prison after being convicted of grooming a vulnerable teenage girl from Oldham. The incident unfolded over a period of six months, during which Fawcett created a false online identity under the alias James Star, falsely claiming to be 22 years old.

Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard how Fawcett engaged in persistent communication with the young girl, who was only 14 at the time. Despite knowing her age, he continued to contact her through social networking sites, repeatedly asking her to meet in person. Prosecutor Alison Heyworth detailed how Fawcett’s manipulative tactics included seeking sympathy by claiming that his partner had died and that his parents were no longer alive. He also offered her cigarettes and cannabis, attempting to build a sense of trust and dependency.

Throughout their online exchanges, Fawcett showered her with compliments, telling her she was “amazing” and possessed a “most beautiful body.” However, his language gradually became more sexually explicit, as he asked her to send pictures of her cleavage and expressed a desire for physical intimacy, saying he wanted “a snog and a feel.” Despite her reluctance, he continued to push for a meeting.

Fawcett’s intentions became clearer when he invited her to meet him in Oldham and even suggested taking her to Blackpool. The court was told that in February of the previous year, he arranged to meet her at Oldham Bus Station. However, instead of the girl, it was the police who were waiting for him, having been tipped off about his plans.

During sentencing, Judge Timothy Mort emphasized the calculated nature of Fawcett’s actions. He stated, “Most significant is that you are a street-wise man who knew perfectly well how to flatter this young girl for your own sexual gratification. This was a classic case of grooming, and you traveled with the intent of meeting her.” The judge praised the girl for her good sense in talking to someone else, which prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.

Judge Mort also highlighted the profound impact on the victim, who was preparing for exams at the time. She expressed her fear of Fawcett showing up at her school or discovering her home address, which caused her significant distress. She described herself as once being a happy, fun-loving girl, but now feeling like only a shadow of her former self.

Fawcett’s defense lawyer, Hunter Gray, stated that his client had no prior criminal record and that his actions had resulted in the loss of his job and his previous relationship. Gray argued that no physical meeting had actually taken place, and if it had, Fawcett’s intentions were limited to kissing. He also suggested that Fawcett might not fully grasp the seriousness of his actions and what could have happened.

Fawcett, who resides on Hilary Avenue in Cheadle, pleaded guilty to the grooming charge on the day his trial was scheduled to begin last month. In addition to his prison sentence, he has been subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, reflecting ongoing restrictions to prevent further offending. The court’s decision underscores the importance of addressing online grooming and protecting vulnerable young people from predators operating under false pretenses.