DAVID WEBB'S SHOCKING CRIME NEAR STOKE-ON-TRENT PRIMARY SCHOOL IN LONGTON AND CRACKLEY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, David Webb, a 48-year-old man with a criminal history, has been found living directly opposite a primary school in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. Webb’s residence is situated on the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent, a city known for its vibrant community and educational institutions, including the primary school with approximately 400 pupils aged between three and eleven years old.

Webb’s criminal record is marked by a serious conviction from 2008, when he was sentenced to two years in prison for grooming a 12-year-old girl. During his trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Webb was described as engaging in a pattern of predatory behavior, which included pestering the young girl to send him explicit photographs. The court heard that Webb sent hundreds of text messages to the girl, fully aware that she was significantly younger than him, and that his actions were a clear example of sexual grooming. The judge at the time condemned his conduct as a “classic example of sexual grooming,” emphasizing the severity of his behavior.

In addition to the grooming charges, Webb pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of a child and three counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. His actions have led to his placement on the Sex Offenders Register, a measure intended to monitor individuals convicted of sexual offenses. Despite his release from prison, Webb maintains that he is not in breach of any conditions and claims to have completed all necessary courses. He stated last night, “I’m not in breach of anything. I don’t think anybody should be concerned. I have done all the courses.”

However, concerns among parents and local residents remain high. One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her outrage and fear, saying, “I bet he can see right into the playground — it makes my skin crawl. It’s ridiculous he is allowed to be there. No perverts should be allowed near schools.” The proximity of Webb’s residence to the school has sparked widespread anger and anxiety among parents, especially given the nature of his past offenses.

Authorities have responded to the community’s concerns by emphasizing their commitment to public safety. Staffs Police issued a statement saying, “Public protection is a top priority. If anyone has any concerns they should ring 101.” Meanwhile, the Probation Service confirmed that Webb’s license conditions expired three years ago, and he is no longer under active supervision. This has only intensified fears among residents about the potential risks posed by Webb’s presence in the neighborhood.

Looking back at Webb’s 2008 conviction, the court detailed how he began grooming the girl shortly after she was given a mobile phone by her father in August 2007. The investigation revealed that Webb’s communication with the girl became increasingly intimate and inappropriate, with him asking her personal questions and encouraging her to take explicit photographs of herself. The girl’s father discovered the extent of Webb’s contact after noticing a large number of text messages on his daughter’s phone, with Webb sending her 644 texts and receiving 746 in return. The court heard that Webb’s messages included questions about her activities and explicit requests for photographs, which she eventually sent after Webb encouraged her to do so.

The girl confided in her mother about Webb’s inappropriate behavior, prompting her father to report the matter to the police. Webb was subsequently arrested and charged. During his trial, Webb admitted that his relationship with the girl had become inappropriate, though he denied actively encouraging her to send explicit images. Nevertheless, he pleaded guilty to the charges, which included possessing indecent images and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

His defense argued that Webb had no previous convictions and was well-regarded in the local business community. They claimed his behavior was out of character and that he was eager to participate in a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program. Despite these pleas, Judge Paul Glenn sentenced Webb to serve up to half of his prison term, with the remainder on license, and ordered him to register as a sex offender for ten years. The judge emphasized the vulnerability of the young girl and condemned Webb’s actions as a clear attempt to groom her for a sexual relationship, which Webb’s own words and actions confirmed was his ultimate intent.