BRANDON LUCAS FROM FIVE OAK GREEN SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND MOLESTATION OF YOUNG GIRL

In March 2017, a young man from Five Oak Green was handed a significant custodial sentence after being found guilty of serious sexual offenses involving a minor. Brandon Lucas, aged 19 at the time, was convicted of grooming and molesting a girl he had initially contacted through social media platforms, including Facebook and Snapchat.

Lucas, who was then a 16-year-old cadet in the Kent Army Cadet Force and held the rank of colour sergeant, first made contact with the girl when she was only 12 years old. His initial approach was characterized by inappropriate language and flirtatious comments, as he called her “babe” and “sexy,” and even claimed ownership over her body by stating, “It’s mine.” He also advised her to keep their interactions secret due to her young age, warning her not to tell anyone about their conversations.

As their online relationship progressed, Lucas’s behavior became increasingly disturbing. He sent the girl images and videos depicting self-harm, and when she refused to send him nude selfies, he responded by sending her distressing content of himself harming himself. He told her that he had stabbed himself in the leg and would only remove the knife if she expressed love for him, attempting to manipulate her emotionally.

Following their online interactions, Lucas and the girl met in person. During these meetings, he twice forcibly put his hand into her underwear and attempted to remove her trousers by pinning her down. The girl later described her feelings of distress and emotional turmoil caused by his actions. She has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, highlighting the lasting impact of the abuse she endured.

During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Lucas, who was formerly residing on Montgomery Road in Tunbridge Wells but was later living in Five Oak Green, denied two charges of sexual assault and one of attempted sexual assault. Despite his denial, the jury found him guilty of all charges.

Judge Philip St John-Stevens addressed the court, acknowledging that Lucas may have been naive and inexperienced in sexual matters, and noting his otherwise exemplary character. However, the judge emphasized that custody was necessary due to the severity of the offenses. He stated, “You were going through a difficult time and you realized you could get a reaction by exposing your frailties, and that turned into a device to try and secure a relationship with her. This was a course of conduct you pursued and there was a disturbing escalation.”

As part of his sentence, Lucas was ordered to register as a sex offender and a sexual harm prevention order was imposed to restrict his future conduct. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of grooming and sexual assault crimes, especially involving minors and the abuse of trust placed in social media platforms.