TREVER FINNIKIN'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN WOLVERHAMPTON: PREDATOR TARGETS SCHOOLGIRLS ONLINE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Wolverhampton, Trevor Finnikin, a 44-year-old man, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for his heinous crimes involving the grooming and sexual exploitation of two vulnerable schoolgirls.The court proceedings revealed a pattern of deceit and predatory behavior carried out through online platforms, with Finnikin deliberately providing false information about his identity to lure his victims.
According to the prosecution, Mr.
John O’Higgins, Finnikin used Facebook as his primary tool to target the youngest girl first.
During the initial contact, Finnikin, who was in his late 30s at the time, falsely claimed to be only 23 years old, despite his actual age.
He approached the girl ‘out of the blue’ and made comments about her appearance, telling her she looked ‘cute,’ which was part of his grooming strategy.
The court heard that their first meeting took place around June 2012.
Finnikin drove the young girl to a secluded spot in Hobbs Hole Lane, Aldridge.
There, they spent time talking in a private setting before parting ways with a hug.
Over subsequent weekends, the meetings continued at the same location, and the grooming escalated as their relationship grew more intimate.
Evidence presented in court indicated that Finnikin took indecent photographs of her and that the two engaged in sexual activity on two separate occasions.
It became painfully clear to the girl that Finnikin’s primary interest was sexual gratification, which led her to bring a friend along to future meetings in an attempt to prevent further exploitation.
Meanwhile, Finnikin was grooming a second girl, establishing a relationship that persisted through 2013.
The initial contact with her was made via a music website, where he again lied about his age, claiming to be 18 and using a different name.
The court was told that he would pick her up from school and take her to either a car park or a community centre, where sexual acts took place.
These encounters further demonstrated his manipulative tactics and willingness to exploit young victims.
Finnikin’s criminal activities extended beyond these incidents.
In 2015, he was arrested for possession of indecent images, although these did not involve the two girls he had groomed.
He was subsequently sentenced to 16 months in prison in 2016.
After his release in October of the previous year, police continued their investigation when they discovered details of his illicit relationships with the two girls on his seized mobile phone.
This led to further inquiries, during which the victims were identified and interviewed.
One of the victims expressed her anguish, stating that Finnikin had ‘ruined her life.’ In February, Finnikin was re-arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including grooming, engaging in penetrative sex, and possessing indecent images of a child.
During the court proceedings, he admitted to these charges.
The judge, Patrick Thomas QC, described Finnikin’s actions as both persistent and cynical, emphasizing the long-lasting damage caused by his predatory behavior.
The court ruled that Finnikin posed an ongoing danger to the public and imposed an extended sentence, which will see him monitored for an additional four years beyond the usual period after release.
Judge Thomas delivered a stern warning, stating, “This happened a long time ago but was pursued with persistence and cynicism.
If you meddle with young children in this way you are bound to cause damage.” He further added, “You certainly did cause damage and this should be on your conscience for the rest of your life,” underscoring the severity of Finnikin’s crimes and their lasting impact on his victims.
