SALISBURY MAN GETS SUSPENDED SENTENCE AFTER GROOMING A 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL ONLINE
A predator identified as Darren Warner arranged to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex and sent her explicit images.According to court reports, Warner engaged in online conversations with the girl, who was posing as a teen police officer, and they quickly moved to Kik.
The offender confirmed her age and made plans to meet "in a public park or car park in Southampton" to have sex, but withdrew from the meeting after claiming his car broke down.
Warner, aged 49, sent two explicit images and encouraged the girl to perform sexual acts on herself.
He was arrested on June 1, 2024, shortly before the planned meeting.
During court proceedings, Warner pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including arranging or facilitating sexual activity with a child involving penetration, and attempting to cause or incite sexual activity with a child.
The court described his approach as "exceptional," noting that he had paid more than £700 for rehabilitation prior to charges.
He was sentenced to a two-year sentence, suspended for two years, and must complete 26 probation sessions and five rehab activity days.
He is also required to pay £150 in costs and will be on the sex offenders’ register for ten years.
