Luton man who groomed girl, 13, jailed

LUTON MAN WHO GROOMED GIRL, 13, JAILED

Luton resident Simon Wilson has been sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including grooming and sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl.

The evidence presented in court showed that Wilson manipulated the young victim along with her family over a lengthy period, with the intent of engaging in sexual activity.

Wilson admitted to six counts of sexual activity with a minor, one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual acts, and one count of meeting a child following grooming.

The court commented: "It was over a long period and you specifically targeted your victim." It was also disclosed that Wilson’s girlfriend warned the girl’s family about their relationship when she was only 12, but these warnings were disregarded.

Wilson exerted undue influence over the girl, kissing her on the lips once and taking her away during an event with his girlfriend on another occasion.

Despite being told to stop contacting her, he continued messaging the girl via a gaming console and mobile phones.

He later collected her from school and took her to a multi-storey car park in Stevenage, where he bought her clothes and subsequently assaulted her in his car.

Wilson was detained at his residence the next day, and he has been ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register and to comply with a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.