JOHN HIGGINS FROM ALVASTON AND SHEFFIELD SENTENCED FOR GROOMING 11-YEAR-OLD VICTIM IN DERBY

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming, John Higgins, a man with connections to both Alvaston and Sheffield, has been sentenced to serve time in prison for his heinous actions involving an 11-year-old girl. The incident came to light after Higgins, then residing in Alvaston, engaged in a series of manipulative and predatory behaviors aimed at the young victim.

According to court records, Higgins pleaded guilty to two serious charges: one for causing a child under the age of 13 to produce indecent images and another for creating an indecent photograph of a child. The offences took place in April 2016, and the case was brought before Derby Crown Court. Higgins, aged 30 and living on Halifax Road in Sheffield at the time, was sentenced to two years in prison for the primary offence. Additionally, he received a concurrent sentence of ten months for the second charge, meaning he will serve both sentences simultaneously.

As part of his punishment, Higgins is required to sign the Sexual Offenders Register for a period of ten years. Furthermore, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed, also lasting ten years, to restrict his activities and protect the community from further harm. The court's decision underscores the severity of his actions and the ongoing threat posed by individuals who exploit children online.

The case revealed that Higgins had initially met the young girl through a chat and dating application called Say Hi. During their interactions, he lied about his age to establish a false sense of trust. Over time, he engaged in sexual conversations with her and encouraged her to send explicit images, exploiting her vulnerability and innocence. The victim, who lived in Newcastle, was subjected to manipulative tactics that culminated in the creation and distribution of indecent images, a crime that has serious legal and moral implications.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of online safety and vigilance, especially for young children who may be targeted by predators hiding behind digital anonymity. Authorities continue to warn parents and guardians to monitor their children's online activities and to report any suspicious behavior to prevent similar tragedies in the future.