ALEX CADWELL JAILED IN UK FOR ONLINE GROOMING AND SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL

A 21-year-old man named Alex Cadwell has been sentenced to prison for a series of child sex offences after grooming a teenage girl online and meeting her for sex. Cadwell was arrested on Friday, August 30, 2019, following a report of a rape involving a 13-year-old girl. The assault occurred in the toilets behind the British Legion on Hollyhedge Road, Cobham, on Saturday, August 24, 2019.

Court proceedings revealed that Cadwell had spent approximately a month grooming the victim online, encouraging her to engage in sexual acts before they finally met in person. Police confirmed that he then engaged in sexual activity with the girl.

Surrey Police responded swiftly, identifying Cadwell, arresting him, and seizing his digital devices for investigation. Further inquiries uncovered more extensive online grooming of the victim and linked him to additional offences involving other victims.

Cadwell was formally charged and, after a trial in November, was convicted of 22 sexual offences. These included two counts of sexual activity with a child, creating indecent images of a child, inciting a child to perform sexual acts, and causing a child to watch sexual acts.

He appeared before Kingston Crown Court via video link on Friday, January 29, where he was sentenced to ten years in prison with an additional five-year extension. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and will be subject to a strict Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon his release.

Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Alan Poland stated, “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, I hope 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 an alias, offenders will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.”

A spokesperson for the NSPCC commented, “Cadwell’s use of online platforms to groom and abuse a 13-year-old highlights the risks young people face on the internet. This was undoubtedly a terrible ordeal for the victim, and we hope she receives all the support she needs to move on. It’s essential that online platforms continue to develop safety features to protect all young users.”