JAMES WOOLLEY FROM WOKING SENTENCED FOR ONLINE GROOMING OF TEENAGE GIRL IN SALISBURY

In a case that has shocked the local community, James Woolley, a 34-year-old man from Woking, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of grooming a teenage girl through online platforms. The incident, which took place in Salisbury, involved Woolley manipulating a young girl into performing sexual acts and meeting him in person, highlighting the dangers of online predators.

According to court proceedings, Woolley employed social networking sites and internet chatrooms to establish contact with the girl, who was only 13 years old at the time. To conceal his true identity, he fabricated a persona claiming to be a 19-year-old university student. This false identity was used to gain the girl’s trust and to deepen their online relationship. Salisbury Crown Court heard that Woolley’s manipulative tactics included requesting explicit photographs from the girl, which she sent from her mobile phone, further entrenching her vulnerability.

After successfully building a rapport, Woolley persuaded the girl to meet him in person. The pair met on three separate occasions, during which Woolley engaged in sexual activity with her. The disturbing nature of his actions was uncovered when a friend of the victim noticed suspicious behavior and informed her mother. This led to the involvement of law enforcement authorities, who launched an investigation into Woolley’s activities.

During the investigation, authorities discovered that Woolley had also groomed another girl in a similar manner. However, in this case, the sexual activity did not occur until the girl was 16 years old, which was still illegal given her age at the time. Woolley faced multiple charges, including six counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual acts, and possessing indecent photographs. He also admitted to making and possessing indecent images of minors.

William Walsh, Woolley’s defense attorney, stated that his client had ceased all computer use since his arrest over a year ago. Walsh described Woolley’s actions as a regrettable episode in his life, expressing hope that he could move past this chapter quickly.

However, Judge Andrew Barnett delivered a stern verdict, condemning Woolley’s actions as a “callous grooming campaign.” The judge emphasized that Woolley’s manipulative tactics effectively tricked and exploited vulnerable young girls, causing irreparable harm. He remarked that Woolley’s conduct had “effectively ruined a life” and sentenced him to four years in prison. Additionally, Woolley will be required to register as a sex offender indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.