KARL GROCOTT

SALE MAN SENTENCED FOR TRYING TO MEET 12-YEAR-OLD FOR SEX

A man identified as Karl Grocott, 44, of Sale, was sentenced to 33 months in prison after attempting to meet a 12-year-old boy at McDonald's.

Grocott sent an image of Mr Burns from the Simpsons to signal that his evil plan was working.

He boasted to the young 'boy' about being a 27-year-old teacher who 'liked to kiss boys' bodies'.

It was later revealed he was a data analyst in his 40s speaking to an undercover police officer.

Grocott had intended to take the boy back to a hotel room.

He was arrested near the Edge Lane McDonald's after police surveillance.

Grocott believed the child was 12 and falsely claimed to be a teacher working only with boys, even claiming to have already taken a pupil to Blackpool.

He expressed sexual interests, sent nudes, and discussed engaging in sexual activities.

Grocott had five previous convictions for nine offences, including making indecent images of children and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child under 16 and grooming.

Sentencing included 27 months for the offences, six months for breach of a previous order, and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

The judge emphasized that Grocott believed he was communicating with a child and that his actions involved planning for sexual activity with a minor, which only did not occur because police intervention.