COSTESSY MAN JOSEPH STROWGER CAUGHT IN DISTURBING ONLINE PLOT INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Costessey, Joseph Strowger, a 22-year-old man, was found guilty of engaging in malicious online behavior aimed at a young girl. The incident unfolded in March 2018 when Strowger, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in computer science, used social media to deceive a 12-year-old girl into sending him inappropriate photographs.

According to court proceedings, Strowger created a fake profile on Facebook, pretending to be a 14-year-old boy. Under this false identity, he initiated conversations with the young girl, asking her personal questions of a sexual nature. The court heard that he explicitly requested her to send a topless photograph of herself, exploiting her innocence and vulnerability.

The prosecuting attorney, Claire Matthews, explained that the girl’s family became aware of the troubling interactions and promptly contacted the police. The young victim was reported to have been deeply distressed by the incident, expressing regret for having sent the photograph, which she now recognized as a mistake. Her family’s intervention led to a police investigation that uncovered the full extent of Strowger’s actions.

Further investigations revealed that Strowger was responsible for the conversations with the girl, maintaining the false persona of a teenage boy. When law enforcement officials seized and examined his electronic devices, they discovered more alarming evidence. The analysis of his phone and laptops revealed that he had downloaded numerous indecent images of children, along with extreme pornographic material. Additionally, police found that Strowger had secretly filmed women as they undressed or changed in a private setting, and he had kept this footage without their knowledge.

Importantly, the victims depicted in the secret recordings were unaware that they had been filmed, and police confirmed that none of them had given consent for such recordings. The evidence painted a disturbing picture of Strowger’s predatory behavior and violation of privacy.

Strowger, who resides on Longwater Lane in Costessey, admitted to multiple charges, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, possession of indecent images, and voyeurism. His actions prompted a serious legal response from the judiciary.

Judge Andrew Shaw sentenced Strowger to four years in prison and ordered that he be placed on the sex offender register for life. In his remarks, the judge emphasized that the courts would not tolerate such offenses, underscoring the severity of the crimes committed.

He highlighted the profound impact on the young girl involved, noting that she had to undergo counseling to cope with the emotional trauma caused by the incident. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.