GRAHAM WILKINSON FROM WITHERNSEA SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN HULL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Graham Paul Wilkinson, a 44-year-old man from Withernsea, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of grooming and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place in Hull, where Wilkinson had met the young girl and manipulated her into believing they shared a romantic relationship.

During the court proceedings at Hull Crown Court, prosecutor Simon Waley detailed the disturbing nature of Wilkinson's actions. He explained that Wilkinson had systematically groomed the girl, convincing her that their interactions were rooted in love and a genuine relationship. This emotional manipulation led the girl to feel confused and unsure of her circumstances, as Wilkinson repeatedly sexually assaulted her in Hull.

Waley emphasized that the girl was under the impression that she was in a romantic relationship with Wilkinson, which he exploited to carry out his abuse. The prosecutor stated, “She let him do what he wanted, but she didn’t really understand what was happening. He said he loved her and kissed her. She felt very confused and felt she couldn’t tell anyone. She thought she was in a relationship with the defendant. She blamed herself for what was taking place.”

The case came to light when the girl finally confided in a friend about the abuse she had endured. This revelation led to Wilkinson’s arrest and subsequent prosecution. In her victim impact statement, which was read aloud in court, the girl described the profound effect Wilkinson’s manipulation had on her. She said, “He was controlling to the point where I would rather be alone or with him than anyone else.” She also revealed that Wilkinson’s influence caused her to stop attending school and resulted in a significant loss of confidence.

Wilkinson, who had no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual assault. The court, presided over by Judge Michael Mettyear, the honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, sentenced him to five years in prison. Judge Mettyear condemned Wilkinson’s actions, stating, “You completely beguiled her, leading her to believe she was in a relationship with you and you loved each other. Instead, you abused her. The effect of this offence has been grave.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Wilkinson was subjected to an eight-year sexual offences prevention order and was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact grooming and sexual abuse can have on young victims and highlights the importance of vigilance and intervention in such cases.