GEORGE GILTRAP CAUGHT IN LYMINGE: SHOCKING ONLINE PREDATOR SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In November 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving a man from Lyminge who exploited social media platforms to prey on a young child. George Russell Giltrap, aged 71 and residing on Station Road in Lyminge, used a fabricated online persona to deceive an 11-year-old girl. Posing as a 16-year-old girl on Facebook, Giltrap initiated contact with the young victim, engaging her in conversations that quickly turned sinister.

He manipulated the girl into sending him explicit images, including a topless photograph. In a further act of depravity, Giltrap sent her a picture of a sex toy along with explicit messages, clearly indicating his intent to exploit and abuse the child. The case drew significant attention when authorities uncovered his activities, leading to his arrest in March of the same year.

Officers from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team acted swiftly after gathering sufficient evidence. During his arrest at his home in Lyminge, Giltrap did not deny his involvement. He admitted to the crimes, which he had committed using the fake social media profile. Authorities seized his mobile phone and laptop as part of their investigation, which provided crucial evidence linking him to the offenses.

Following the investigation, Giltrap was formally charged with multiple serious offenses, including making indecent photographs of a child and three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. His guilty plea was entered in court, sparing the young victim from the trauma of a lengthy trial. On Friday, November 17, at Canterbury Crown Court, Giltrap was sentenced to four years in prison for his crimes.

Detective Constable Mark Agnew, who led the investigation, expressed his concerns about Giltrap’s actions. He stated, “Giltrap clearly poses a significant risk to children and I’m just thankful he admitted to his crimes and spared the victim the ordeal of a trial. He will now serve time in prison for what he did. This behaviour is sickening and inexcusable and we are determined to protect children and other vulnerable people from becoming victims.”

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from predators operating in digital spaces.