RAMSGREAVE MAN JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AFTER ONLINE GROOMING
Craig Shorrock, aged 51, was sentenced to 13 months in prison and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years after being found guilty of child sex offences.The offences occurred in January 2023, where an undercover police officer, posing as a 13-year-old girl, engaged in communication through the messaging app Kik.
During these interactions, Shorrock initially asked for a picture, claimed he would be identified if he sent one, and later requested the girl to remove her nightie, indicating a sexual intent.
He also sent a graphic video to the decoy and his phone contained 116 extreme pornographic images.
Despite acknowledging responsibility for his actions, Shorrock denied there being a sexual motivation, claiming he had become more isolated and was drinking heavily.
His solicitor outlined that he has not spoken to his children since his arrest and is willing to cooperate with probation.
However, the judge, Judge Robert Altham, stated that Shorrock refused to accept he had a problem, making rehabilitation unlikely.
The court found that he attempted to engage a 13-year-old in sex acts and remained sexually motivated, which was evidenced by the images and communications.
The judge emphasized that Shorrock has a sexual interest in children and displayed significant depravity through the possession of extreme pornography.
The court acknowledged that no actual child was harmed but concluded that his actions were highly reprehensible and resulted in considerable personal loss, including estrangement from his children and ex-wife.
