JOHN WORTHINGTON FROM BURTON FLEMING CAUGHT GROOMING 15-YEAR-OLD IN BRIDLINGTON

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming, John Worthington, a 40-year-old man from Burton Fleming, has been sentenced to prison after engaging in a predatory campaign targeting a 15-year-old girl. The incident unfolded after Worthington initiated contact with the girl through Facebook, a social media platform where he first encountered her family during a holiday in Bridlington.

According to court proceedings, Worthington and the girl’s family had a chance meeting in Bridlington, which led to him sending her a friend request on Facebook. The girl, who shared her Facebook profile with her mother, believed her mother had accepted the friend request, unaware of Worthington’s true intentions. Over time, the two began exchanging messages daily, initially engaging in innocent conversations, as described by the court.

As their online communication progressed, Worthington requested the girl’s mobile phone number, and the pair started texting directly. Her father, noticing the ongoing contact, intervened and warned Worthington to cease communication. Despite this, Worthington persisted, and the nature of their messages gradually shifted towards more inappropriate and sexual content, court officials revealed.

Prosecutor Nicola Quinney explained that initially, the girl felt somewhat positive about the messages and responded accordingly. However, the situation escalated when Worthington sent her an indecent photograph of himself. In response, the girl also sent pictures of herself. The situation took a more alarming turn when Worthington suggested they meet at a campsite in Bridlington with the explicit intention of having sex.

Details of the case underscore the serious nature of online grooming and the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians. The court’s decision to imprison Worthington sends a clear message about the judiciary’s stance on such crimes, emphasizing that these offenses are taken very seriously and that offenders will face significant consequences for their actions.