KEITH HOGAN ARRESTED IN ARNOLD FOR ONLINE CHILD GROOMING AT DERBY MCDONALD'S
In August 2022, Keith Hogan, a 60-year-old resident of Arnold, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation involving online child grooming and attempted sexual contact.Hogan had traveled to Derby, specifically to the McDonald's located near Markeaton Park, with the apparent intention of meeting a girl he believed to be just 13 years old.
The entire incident was part of a police sting operation, which culminated in his arrest as he arrived at the fast-food restaurant.
Hogan was armed with contraception and a sex toy, which he carried with him, believing he was about to engage in sexual activity with the underage girl he had been communicating with online.
Unbeknownst to him, the individual he thought was a 13-year-old girl was actually an undercover police officer.
Hogan had been engaging in conversations on Kik Messenger, a popular free instant messaging app, for three weeks, during which he exchanged sexually explicit messages, sent a phallic image, and even a video of himself performing a sexual act.
According to court reports, Hogan later claimed that he wanted to make an effort “with nothing in mind” and that the conversations were innocent.
However, the evidence presented in court painted a different picture.
When shown the explicit images and videos he had sent, Hogan admitted to being a “dirty old man who needs locking up” and acknowledged that he posed a threat to children.
Hogan, who at the time was living with his mother in Nottingham, also revealed plans to move to Lincoln in an attempt to rekindle a relationship.
He pleaded guilty to three serious offences: attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, and attempting to meet a girl under 16 after sexual grooming.
During the sentencing hearing at Nottingham Crown Court, Judge Stuart Rafferty QC addressed Hogan’s actions with stern words.
The judge emphasized that Hogan had deliberately targeted a young girl he believed to be 13, armed with contraception and a sex toy, which he referred to dismissively as “toys.” The court was also informed that Hogan had engaged in conversations with two other minors, whom he believed to be 14 years old, indicating that this was not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of behavior.
Judge Rafferty condemned Hogan’s lifestyle, describing it as “wholly wrong” and “living a lie,” and questioned what Hogan’s wife might have thought upon discovering his actions.
The judge pointed out the disturbing nature of the case, likening Hogan’s age to that of a grandfather and his intended victim to a grandchild, calling such a scenario “an appalling prospect.” He further explained that Hogan’s actions stemmed from sexual unfulfillment and a delusional belief that online interactions were harmless.
The judge warned that if the girl had been real, Hogan would be facing many years in prison.
Hogan was visibly emotional during the proceedings, acknowledging the gravity of his offenses.
As part of his sentence, Hogan was issued a sexual harm prevention order and required to register as a sex offender for five years.
Additionally, he received a community order lasting three years, which includes completing a 43-day sex offender treatment program and 60 days of rehabilitation activities.
The court’s verdict underscores the serious nature of online grooming and the importance of safeguarding minors from predatory behavior.
