GAVIN FOX SHAWFORTH PERVERT SENT GROSS PICTURES AND TRIED TO MEET SCHOOLGIRL IN MANCHESTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Shawforth, Gavin Fox, aged 36, has been sentenced to prison after engaging in a series of inappropriate and illegal communications with a schoolgirl. The incident, which took place in March 2017, involved Fox sending explicit images and attempting to arrange a meeting with the underage girl, raising serious concerns about online safety and grooming.

Fox, a former mechanic residing on Market Street in Shawforth, initiated contact with the young girl through social media platforms. Over the course of their interactions, he sent her two explicit images, one of which was a photograph of his genitals. The court was told that Fox’s messages did not stop there; he persistently continued to pester her with further messages, despite her apparent discomfort and attempts to ignore his advances.

At one point, Fox explicitly asked the girl to meet him in Manchester, suggesting a face-to-face encounter. This request heightened the seriousness of his actions, prompting the girl to report the matter to the police before any meeting could take place. The police investigation led to Fox’s arrest and subsequent trial at Preston Crown Court.

During the trial, the court found Fox guilty of attempting to meet or communicate with a girl under the age of 16, a serious offense that underscores the dangers of online grooming. As a result, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of ten years.

Despite his conviction, Fox’s inappropriate conduct did not cease. The court heard that he continued to contact the victim after his sentencing, sending her two more images, including one of his genitals, which she saw while still at school. The victim’s distress was compounded by her attempt to delete the second image, which she did without even looking at it, indicating her discomfort and the ongoing harassment she endured.

The court was also informed that the victim confided in a friend about the messages. Together, they considered the possibility of meeting Fox in Manchester to confront him directly, illustrating the level of concern and fear that the situation caused her. This case highlights the ongoing risks faced by young people online and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation and grooming.