MERSEYSIDE SCOUT LEADER SENTENCED FOR CHILD GROOMING AND ABUSE
A Merseyside scout leader and former police community support officer groomed and sexually abused a 13-year-old girl.A Merseyside scout leader and ex-police community support officer, Graham Draper, had an ongoing sexual relationship with a girl she was just 13 years old.
Over an 18-month period, he engaged in multiple sexual activities with her after initially messaging her online.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that the 22-year-old man told her they would run away together once she was of age, and he messaged her about various topics before their conversations turned sexual.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Draper, who was a volunteer scout leader and a former PCSO, took the girl to different areas in Merseyside, had sexual intercourse with her, gifted her items including money and alcohol, and claimed he loved her.
He also falsely claimed to be a police officer.
Court testimonies detailed how he arranged meetings, kissed her, and expressed intentions of a future together when she turned 18.
Draper also sent her obscene messages and admitted his guilt when interviewed by police in 2020.
She reported the abuse in 2020, and Draper subsequently admitted to the allegations.
The victim's personal statement highlighted the long-lasting mental health issues caused by his grooming and abuse, citing devastating impacts on her family.
Defense lawyer Max Saffman argued that Draper was an immature and emotionally stunted young man attracted to girls showing interest in him, struggling to attract women his own age.
Judge Andrew Menary, QC, sentenced Draper to 40 months in prison after pleading guilty to eight counts, including sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch sexual acts, and multiple counts of sexual activity with a child.
Draper was also ordered to be under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order preventing contact with the victim.
The judge acknowledged Draper’s remorse, noting that he recognized the damage caused and had completed courses aimed at rehabilitation.
Draper, who now has a partner and a child, expressed guilt about his actions and stated he had cooperated with authorities from the start.
The judge rejected Draper’s claim of not grooming the girl, emphasizing that grooming can manifest in many forms and styles, and made it clear that he knew his actions were wrong, regardless of his age at the time.
