ANTHONY LAUDER JAILED IN HARTLEPOOL FOR GROOMING SCHOOLGIRLS ON FACEBOOK

In April 2012, Anthony Lauder, aged 28, was sentenced to four years and four months in prison at Teesside Crown Court after admitting to multiple sexual offenses involving two schoolgirls. Lauder had utilized Facebook to groom the victims, one of whom he persuaded to visit his Hartlepool flat, where sexual activity occurred. He also attempted to meet a younger girl, but she did not follow through with the meeting.

The court heard that Lauder knowingly contacted both girls despite knowing they were under 16 and lied about his own age. After the incident at his flat, Lauder maintained contact with the first girl through Facebook, discussing what had happened. Around the same time, he also contacted a second girl—who was too young to have Facebook but lied about her age—sending her messages such as “hi sexy, do you want to come and watch a DVD?” and asking her to meet him in Hartlepool, even suggesting she assist him while he was babysitting. They exchanged photographs of each other, but fortunately, the second girl did not go through with meeting him.

Ian Mullarkey, the prosecuting attorney, recounted, “He sent her messages to the effect of ‘hi sexy, do you want to come and watch a DVD?’ He asked her to meet him in Hartlepool and later to help him while he was babysitting.”

Lauder had a history of sexual offenses against children and had breached monitoring orders multiple times. The court emphasized the significant impact his actions had on the victims; the older girl has struggled with her exams, while the younger girl feels uncomfortable around her peers.

During mitigation, Stephen Constantine explained that Lauder struggled with alcohol problems but took responsibility for his actions, acknowledging that his conduct was limited in scope. He stated, “He accepts full responsibility, albeit at a late stage, for what he did. Thankfully it would seem that the activity was limited.” Mr. Constantine also noted Lauder did not rely on alcohol, drugs, or violence to coerce the victims.

Judge Howard Crowson described Lauder, residing on Bruce Crescent, as “predatory,” highlighting that he exploited young girls and emphasizing the serious repercussions on the victims. His remarks included, “It is very clear that these were offences in which you were persistent in your attraction to the girls.”

Detective Constable Darren Cass praised the sentence and warned of the dangers social media pose to youths. “It’s worrying because there are people out there that fish about. We are pleased it has come to a conclusion and that he did plead guilty. Yes, Facebook is great, but be wary who it is you are speaking to,” he stated.