CASTLEFORD AND STANLEY MEN DANIEL BARUGH AND DAYLE BRICKWOOD GROOMED LEEDS TEENS ON FACEBOOK

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities, two men from the areas of Castleford and Stanley have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the sexual grooming of underage girls from Leeds. The offenders, Daniel Barugh, aged 22, and Dayle Brickwood, aged 23, used social media platforms, specifically Facebook, to establish contact with the victims, both of whom were only 13 years old at the time.

According to the prosecution, Kirstie Watson, the case's lead prosecutor, detailed how the two men initiated communication with the teenage girls during the first half of the previous year. They managed to obtain the girls' mobile phone numbers through their online interactions. The court was informed that one of the girls was even wearing her school uniform when they first met her in person, highlighting the disturbing nature of their contact.

Following their initial online contact, Barugh and Brickwood arranged to meet the girls in person on six separate occasions. One of the victims eventually confided in her mother about the meetings, which led to police involvement. The authorities seized the mobile phones of both men and uncovered a series of sexually explicit texts exchanged over a period of five months. These messages included disturbing exchanges, such as one from a girl’s phone to Brickwood asking, “What would people think, two 14-year-olds going out with two 21-year-olds?” Brickwood responded with chilling replies: “No one would know” and “We could keep it a secret forever.”

Both men initially admitted to making contact with the girls but denied knowing their true ages, attempting to downplay the severity of their actions. However, their pleas did not prevent the court from sentencing them. Daniel Barugh, of Legentium Plaza, Castleford, pleaded guilty to meeting a child for sexual grooming and was sentenced to 15 months in prison. Meanwhile, Dayle Brickwood, of Royal Troon Drive, Stanley, pleaded guilty to meeting a child for sexual grooming and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, receiving a 13-month prison term.

In addition to their custodial sentences, both men were ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years. The court heard from their respective legal representatives, with Michael Smith, representing Barugh, describing how his client’s life had “gone off the rails” in recent years, largely due to issues with alcohol. Richard Canning, defending Brickwood, requested that his client be given a community punishment so he could participate in a sex offender treatment program. Canning also mentioned Brickwood’s partner, a 16-year-old girl, suggesting that she might allow him to move in with her, though he acknowledged the uncertainty of that relationship’s future.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC delivered the sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of the offenders’ actions. He stated, “It is relevant to note that neither of you appear to have any real insight into the gravity of what you did. It is pointless denying that you do not have a sexual interest in underage girls. Clearly both of you do. You are young men who must understand that contact with girls under the age of 16 in this way is wholly wrong and you must learn your lesson.” The judge’s remarks underscored the serious nature of grooming crimes and the importance of accountability for such offenses.