JOHN GRAHAM EDWARDS FROM ELWORTH AND SANDBACH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN CHESTER

In December 2012, a man from Sandbach, known locally as Graham Edwards and residing in Elworth, was sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to a series of disturbing sexual offences involving underage girls. The case, which was prosecuted at Chester Crown Court, revealed a pattern of grooming and exploitation carried out by Edwards over a period spanning from 2009 to 2010.

John Graham Edwards, aged 51 at the time, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including grooming a 14-year-old girl and two 15-year-old girls through online platforms. Edwards, who operated a business called Cheshire Wire Erosion in Sandbach, used the internet to pose as a professional photographer under the alias Marcus, claiming to be 36 years old. His online activities primarily took place on the social networking site Vampire Freaks, where he created a false persona to lure vulnerable teenagers.

Prosecutor Andrew McInnes detailed to the court that Edwards initially contacted a 14-year-old girl, who claimed to be 15, through the internet. Edwards engaged her in conversations, offering money in exchange for erotic photographs. The two agreed to meet in person, with Edwards arriving in a silver car in Christleton. During their encounter, Edwards attempted to kiss her, but she resisted. Subsequently, he drove her to a different location where they engaged in sexual activity, after which he gave her £18 in cash. Their communication continued through texts and exchanged images, culminating in a meeting at Delamere Forest, where Edwards performed a sexual act on her.

Following his arrest, police confiscated Edwards’ computer, phones, and webcam. During police interviews, Edwards claimed he believed the girl was 16, despite her wearing a school uniform, and denied having full sexual intercourse. Further investigations identified another potential victim, a 15-year-old girl, whom Edwards had also contacted via Vampire Freaks. Edwards again posed as a photographer named Marcus, offering money for model shots, and they arranged to meet at Oulton Park racetrack. During this meeting, they engaged in sexual activity, and Edwards handed over £40 in cash. On another occasion, he requested her underwear, which she initially refused but eventually handed over.

Police also uncovered additional evidence on Edwards’ phone, including numerous images and videos of child pornography and extreme pornography. The investigation revealed that Edwards had engaged in webcam acts with a third 15-year-old girl, who ceased contact after attending a sexual relations class and feeling regretful about her interactions with him.

Throughout the proceedings, Edwards’ defense solicitor, Nicola Gatto, described him as a well-respected member of society with no prior convictions. She highlighted his long marriage of 27 years and his role as a father to four sons, acknowledging the pain caused to his family. Gatto emphasized that Edwards had a thriving business and was generally regarded positively in his community. She expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he had “pressed the self-destruct button on his life” and recognized the suffering inflicted upon his victims and family.

Judge Nicholas Woodward sentenced Edwards to five years in prison for a total of 20 offences. In his remarks, the judge condemned Edwards’ actions, stating, “You set out to ensnare and abuse children. You lied and pretended to be a professional photographer and preyed on the inexperience of girls for your own ends. At all times you were aware of what you were doing.” The judge acknowledged Edwards’ guilty pleas and expressed concern for the impact on his wife and children. Additionally, Edwards was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, and his computer and phone equipment were ordered to be confiscated to prevent further offending.