DANIEL GRIFFIN SENTENCED IN THATCHAM FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A MINOR

A man named Daniel Griffin, residing on Sowerby Street in Thatcham, has been handed down a significant prison sentence after being found guilty of grooming a young girl under the age of 16 and engaging in sexual activity with her. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Griffin’s actions, which spanned a period of grooming and exploitation.

Daniel Griffin, aged 32, was accused of systematically grooming the girl by showering her with gifts, a tactic often used to build trust and manipulate vulnerable minors. The grooming process culminated in Griffin taking the girl to his residence, where they engaged in consensual sexual activity. The girl’s parents, who became suspicious of Griffin’s intentions, discovered his phone number stored under the contact name ‘husband’ on her device, accompanied by a heart emoji, which raised alarm bells about the nature of their relationship.

When confronted about the situation, the girl initially denied any inappropriate conduct. However, she later admitted to having stayed overnight at Griffin’s house and engaging in sexual intercourse with him. Griffin was subsequently arrested by authorities. During the investigation, he denied any sexual relationship with the girl, but his phone was seized and examined. The forensic analysis uncovered deleted images, including one of Griffin himself in a naked, sexually explicit state. Griffin also provided a prepared statement in which he admitted to having sexual contact with the girl, further implicating him in the case.

It was also revealed that Griffin had prior convictions unrelated to this case, indicating a history of criminal behavior. The court sentenced him to four and a half years in prison, with the sentence to be served in two parts: half of the term in custody and the remaining on license. To further protect the victim, a 10-year restraining order was imposed, preventing Griffin from approaching or contacting her. Additionally, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was made indefinite, and Griffin was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

The judge emphasized the severity of Griffin’s grooming behavior, highlighting how he exploited the trust of a young and impressionable girl by giving her gifts and crossing appropriate boundaries. The court underscored the damaging psychological and emotional impact such exploitation can have on victims. The case also brought to light Griffin’s troubled background, including a history of domestic abuse witnessed during his childhood, which may have contributed to his current behavior.

In delivering the sentence, the judge stressed the importance of maintaining boundaries and responsibility in adult conduct, especially when it comes to safeguarding children from exploitation and harm. The court’s decision reflects a firm stance against such predatory behavior, aiming to protect vulnerable minors and uphold justice in the community of Thatcham.