ANDREW MARSHALL FROM BENFLEET SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR ABUSING BOYS IN GRIMSBY AND LEEDS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities, Andrew Marshall, a 41-year-old man from Benfleet, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young boys. The crimes spanned over several years and involved manipulation, grooming, and abuse, with Marshall posing as a teenage boy online to lure his victims.

Marshall’s criminal activities first came to light when a young boy from Grimsby, who was only 12 years old at the time, was contacted by him through an online chatroom. Disguising his identity as a 19-year-old, Marshall established a disturbing relationship with the boy, which continued for approximately five years. During this period, he bought the victim numerous gifts, including a mobile phone, computer equipment, and drugs, effectively grooming him for sexual abuse.

The court heard that Marshall’s manipulation extended beyond gifts. He set up a bank account in the boy’s name, instructing him to treat the money deposited by Marshall as “pocket money,” further entrenching the victim’s dependence and trust. Throughout the grooming process, Marshall repeatedly pressured the boy into engaging in sexual acts, both in his car and later at a hotel in Grimsby, escalating the severity of his crimes.

The investigation into Marshall’s activities was initiated in May 2015 after the victim reported the abuse to Grimsby Police. During the police inquiry, it was uncovered that Marshall had committed similar offenses in 2008 against a 13-year-old boy in Leeds. The second victim revealed that Marshall had also bought him expensive gifts, including designer underwear and computer equipment, and had sexually abused him on two separate occasions.

Marshall denied 11 charges brought against him, which included six counts of indecent assault, two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a minor, one count of inciting sexual activity with a minor, one count of rape, and one count of grooming. However, a jury at Grimsby Crown Court found him guilty of 10 of these charges. The charge of grooming was left on file, meaning it will not be pursued further in court.

As part of his sentence, Marshall was issued a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from being alone with children or working with them in any capacity. This order aims to prevent any future harm and protect potential victims from his predatory behavior. The case has highlighted the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children from exploitation and abuse.