JOHN FIFE FROM GRANGE-OVER-SANDS JAILED FOR ONLINE SEXUAL PREDATION IN CUMBRIA

In April 2015, a disturbing case unfolded involving John Fife, a resident of Fell Close in Grange-over-Sands, who was convicted of engaging in highly inappropriate and illegal online conversations with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The incident was part of a covert police operation aimed at combating online grooming and child exploitation in the Cumbria region.

During the two-week period of the illicit exchanges, Fife, aged 39, expressed a desire to take the girl’s virginity and went as far as offering a substantial sum of £2,500 to ensure she would not sleep with anyone else. These conversations were conducted through a fake profile created by undercover officers, who posed as a teenage girl from the Carlisle area, under the alias “Emi.”

Fife’s online conduct was deeply disturbing. He sent explicit photographs of himself and engaged in sexualized discussions, insisting that the conversations and images be deleted afterward to avoid detection. It was later revealed that the individual he was communicating with was an undercover police officer, not a minor as he believed.

On December 2, 2014, following his arrest, authorities searched Fife’s home and discovered 18 cannabis plants cultivated in a specially set-up tent within his bedroom. The setup included lighting and a hydroponic system, indicating he was involved in drug cultivation. During police interviews, Fife claimed he thought “Emi” was 15 years old and admitted that the conversations were inappropriate for a girl of her age. He also stated that he was often under the influence of cannabis and alcohol at the time, which he claimed affected his memory of the events.

Fife attempted to justify his actions by claiming that the £2,500 offer was a joke and that he sent the explicit photograph out of loneliness and depression. He acknowledged that his conduct was wrong but insisted he would never have acted on his impulses. Despite this, the court found his explanations unconvincing, especially given his history of nine criminal convictions for 18 previous offences.

Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson detailed how Fife used the profile “John 38” on the website badoo.com, and how he initiated contact with “Emi,” claiming she was not entirely innocent and making explicit comments about taking her to bed and teasing her. The conversations escalated to the point where Fife explicitly expressed his desire to take her virginity, offering money and sending indecent images.

Judge Paul Batty QC, presiding over the case at Carlisle Crown Court, sentenced Fife to three years in prison. The judge condemned his actions, stating, “You engaged in the grossest of sexualized discussions with this person, believing her to be a child.” He emphasized that Fife was grooming what he thought was a young girl in a highly sexualized manner, with the intent to de-flower her, even if not to engage in actual sexual activity.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Rob O’Conner commented on the case, highlighting the importance of proactive police operations in protecting children online. He urged parents to be vigilant and take steps to safeguard their children from online predators, providing resources and tips on online safety through the official Cumbria Police website. O’Conner reaffirmed the police’s commitment to making Cumbria a safe environment for young people and warned that law enforcement continues to monitor and act against those attempting to exploit children through digital platforms.

Authorities encourage anyone with concerns or suspicions related to child sexual exploitation to contact Cumbria Police via 101 or to report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, reinforcing the message that online safety and child protection remain top priorities in the region.