Man who groomed 13-year-old jailed

A MAN who groomed a girl online before meeting her for sex in Uxbridge has been jailed for 22 sex offences.

Alex Cadwell, 21, was arrested on Friday August 30, 2019 following a report of a rape involving a 13-year-old girl in a toilet on Saturday, August 24, 2019.

Cadwell, who appeared in court via video link, was sentenced to 10 years’ in prison with a five year extension period at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, January 29.

The Greenacres Avenue resident was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Cadwell had groomed the victim online for a month and had encouraged them to commit sexual acts before meeting in real life.

Police said he then engaged in sexual activity with the teenager.

Surrey Police said Cadwell was identified, arrested and interviewed. His digital devices were seized and further enquiries revealed extensive online grooming of the victim, together with other offences involving other victims.

He was charged and following a trial in November, was found guilty of 22 sexual offences including two counts of sexual activity with a child, making indecent images of a child, inciting a child to commit sexual acts and causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Cadwell will be subject to a strict Sexual Harm Prevention

Order on his release.

Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Alan Poland, said: “I hope that this sentence brings some closure to Cadwell’s victims who have shown courage throughout the proceedings from the initial report through to giving evidence in court.

“Further to this, I hope that it acts as a deterrent to those who seek to prey on children for their sexual gratification.

“Whether this is done hiding behind a computer screen, or hiding behind an alias in real life offenders will be identified, arrested and prosecuted.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Cadwell’s use of online platforms to groom and abuse a 13-year-old child highlights the risks young people are currently facing on the internet.

“This will have been a terrible ordeal for the victim and we hope she gets all the support she needs to move forward with her life. It is also imperative that online platforms continue to design in safety measures for all the young people who use them.”

The NSPCC helpline is available for adults to contact confidentially for help and advice about non-recent abuse on 0808 800 5000 or via help@nspcc.org.uk

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org. uk.