ANDREW HAMMERSLEY SENTENCED IN NUNEATON FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Andrew Hammersley, a man from Nuneaton, has been handed a three-year prison sentence after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a young girl aged just 13. The case revealed disturbing details about Hammersley's actions, which included grooming the victim over a period of time and exploiting her trust.

Hammersley, aged 29, was known for impersonating the singer Olly Murs and had previously appeared alongside the artist on the popular television show Xtra Factor. His connection to the music scene and his attempts to promote himself on social media played a role in his interactions with the young girl. Court records indicate that Hammersley had a history of association with Olly Murs, including appearances on the Xtra Factor and a brief stint on ITV2, which may have contributed to his manipulative tactics.

The grooming process began during a holiday at a Dorset caravan park in May 2013, where the girl was on a school holiday. Hammersley performed as a tribute act to Olly Murs at the event, which was attended by the girl’s parents. Despite the presence of her family, Hammersley managed to meet and develop a relationship with her. Over time, he sent her numerous sexually explicit messages, which facilitated the grooming process. The girl later recounted that she initially trusted Hammersley because he appeared kind and was older than her, but she now recognizes that his intentions were malicious and that he had planned the entire situation.

One of the most alarming aspects of the case was Hammersley's ability to sneak the girl, who was still dressed in her school uniform, into a hotel. This act demonstrated a clear breach of boundaries and a calculated effort to continue his inappropriate conduct. The girl’s account highlighted her initial naivety, but she expressed regret for trusting him and acknowledged the grooming behavior that had taken place.

The court heard that Hammersley's actions disregarded warnings from the girl’s mother, who had expressed concern about her daughter’s interactions with him. The judge emphasized the severity of the case, noting the psychological harm inflicted on the young victim. As part of his sentence, Hammersley is required to register as a sex offender for life and is prohibited from having unsupervised contact with girls under the age of 16 for a period of 15 years. The judge described the case as particularly aggravating due to the grooming behavior and the breach of trust involved, underscoring the importance of protecting vulnerable minors from such predatory conduct.