LUKE SOUTHAM CHIPPING NORTON MAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL GROOMING OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT BANBURY RAILWAY STATION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chipping Norton, a young man named Luke Southam, aged 21, was brought before Oxford Crown Court to face serious allegations of sexual grooming and inappropriate conduct involving a 13-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in February 2014, culminated in Southam being found guilty by a jury after a swift deliberation of just one hour and twenty minutes.

According to court proceedings, Southam had initiated contact with the young girl through the social media platform Facebook in March of the previous year. Despite being fully aware of her tender age, he continued to communicate with her, engaging in conversations that crossed appropriate boundaries. During these exchanges, Southam reportedly asked the girl to change out of her school uniform into “something sexy,” a request that underscores the predatory nature of his actions.

The case took a more alarming turn when the two finally met in person at Banbury railway station. Witnesses described how Southam greeted the girl with a kiss upon their first encounter. The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was reportedly told by Southam to bring a change of clothes, suggesting she should wear something provocative. This request was part of his grooming strategy, aimed at manipulating her emotionally and sexually.

During the trial, Southam denied the allegations of meeting the girl following sexual grooming, claiming he did not meet her in person. However, the jury was convinced of his guilt after hearing evidence over the three-day trial. The court heard that Southam's mental age was considered to be relatively low, a factor that his defense attorney, Terence Woods, cited in mitigation. Woods argued that Southam’s mental capacity might have contributed to his actions, suggesting that he may not have fully appreciated the danger he posed or the emotional harm inflicted on the young girl.

Judge Tom Corrie addressed the court and the defendant directly, emphasizing the emotional damage caused to the girl. He stated, “Your IQ has been measured as relatively low and you may not have appreciated the danger you posed and the effect on the girl of that age who thought herself in love, that has caused her significant distress from she is still suffering. I hope you now understand you were in effect playing with the emotions of somebody who was too young to cope with it.”

As a result of his conviction, Southam was sentenced to an 18-month community order. This includes an education requirement aimed at addressing any underlying issues and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that prohibits him from contacting anyone under the age of 16 for the next five years. Additionally, he is required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

In the lead-up to the sentencing, the court also considered the possibility of custodial measures, with Judge Corrie indicating that probation services would evaluate all options, including custody, before the final decision is made at the sentencing hearing scheduled for March 28. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Chipping Norton, highlighting the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from predators.