CONNOR HIBBERD FROM HILLINGTON SENTENCED FOR GROOMING GIRL UNDER 16 IN NORFOLK

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Connor Hibberd, a 19-year-old resident of Hillington in Norfolk, has been formally sentenced for his involvement in grooming a vulnerable teenage girl from Northampton. The incident, which took place over a period spanning from August 2014 to February 2016, involved the use of social media platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp to manipulate and exploit a girl who was only 14 years old at the time.

Hibberd's actions came to light after investigations revealed that he targeted the young victim during a particularly difficult phase in her life, as she was grieving the loss of a close family member. Exploiting her emotional vulnerability, Hibberd engaged her through online communication, establishing a manipulative hold over her despite never having met her in person. His tactics included coercing her into sending explicit photographs and engaging in self-harm, which he used as leverage to maintain control over her.

Lawrence English, who is the Head of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the East Midlands, commented on the case, emphasizing the severity of Hibberd’s exploitation. He stated, “The young victim in this case was preyed upon at a difficult time in her life when she was grieving and suffering from the loss of a close family member. The defendant exploited this in the worst way possible.”

English further explained the complexities involved in prosecuting such cases, especially when they involve international elements. “The defendant’s influence over his victim was so profound that she felt compelled to follow his instructions, even from different countries. This case required navigating several international legal issues, including ensuring the offence was prosecutable in the country where it occurred, regardless of Hibberd’s subsequent return to the UK,” he said.

Hibberd’s guilty plea was entered at Northampton Crown Court on August 19, where he admitted to four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, along with one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The court heard that his actions spanned over a year and a half, during which he manipulated the young girl through online channels.

The judge described Hibberd as a manipulative and dangerous individual, emphasizing the need for public protection. As part of his sentence, Hibberd was sentenced to four years in a young offender institution. Additionally, he will be subject to an eight-year extended licence period, during which he will be closely monitored. He has also been placed on the sex offender register for life and is now subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In conclusion, this case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and prosecutors in tackling online grooming and exploitation. It underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for robust legal measures to protect vulnerable individuals from predators like Hibberd, who exploited the digital landscape to commit his crimes.