LUKE SWEETING'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN CLEETHORPES AND HULL: SEX OFFENDER'S REPEATED BREACHES AND GROOMING SCANDALS

In September 2019, Luke Sweeting, a known sex offender with a troubling history of convictions, was at the center of a disturbing incident in Cleethorpes that highlighted the ongoing risks posed by individuals under court orders designed to protect the public. Sweeting, aged 22 and of no fixed address, deliberately deceived a trusting mother with a 10-month-old baby by concealing his criminal past and using a false name when he met her. The court was informed that Sweeting was under a strict court order—a seven-year sexual harm prevention order issued in May 2015—that explicitly prohibited him from having any contact with children under the age of 16.

Despite this, Sweeting engaged in a series of dealings with the woman over several weeks. He stayed with her in the Grimsby area, during which he used a false identity to hide his true background. Unbeknownst to her, Sweeting had a history of sexual offenses, and her child was at potential risk during his stay. The incident came to light when police became aware of Sweeting’s presence and initiated an investigation. During the inquiry, Sweeting provided a false name, but law enforcement quickly identified him, revealing his true identity and criminal record. Additionally, Sweeting was found to possess a mobile phone in breach of the order’s stipulations, initially claiming he had been robbed of it, only to later state he had recovered it himself.

Sweeting’s criminal record is extensive, with 15 previous convictions, including two significant periods of incarceration—six months in December 2016 and 16 months in April 2017—for breaching earlier court orders. His latest breaches involved failing to notify authorities of a change of address and using an alias online, which further demonstrated his persistent disregard for legal restrictions. Prosecutor Craig Lowe emphasized that Sweeting’s actions demonstrated a blatant refusal to comply with court orders, thereby increasing the risk he posed to the community.

During the hearing at Grimsby Crown Court, defense counsel Andrew Bailey highlighted that the child involved in the incident was only 10 months old at the time of Sweeting’s contact. Bailey acknowledged that Sweeting’s honesty was lacking, as he had not been straightforward about his identity and criminal history, although he claimed his intention was to disclose the truth eventually. The court was told that Sweeting had spent approximately six and a half months in custody and had recently been free of drug addiction. He faced difficulties integrating into society due to his criminal background, which caused him to constantly feel threatened and paranoid.

Judge John Thackray QC addressed Sweeting directly, stating, “There is no doubt that you represent a significant risk of further offending, and it’s the protection of the public that is my main priority. These are persistent breaches. You seem determined to refuse to allow the authorities to monitor and reduce the risk that you pose.” The judge concluded that Sweeting’s risk could not be effectively managed within the community and sentenced him to two years in prison. His mobile phone was also ordered to be forfeited.

In a separate case from April 2017, Sweeting was involved in grooming a schoolgirl in Scunthorpe. The girl, who was 15 and a half at the time, encountered Sweeting on High Street while she was in her school uniform working on a project. Their initial interaction was playful, with her giggling as they exchanged glances. The following day, Sweeting approached her again, and they engaged in a conversation that lasted about six hours. Over the course of their interactions, which spanned from late November to December, they met in Sheffield Park, where they shared kisses and love bites, further breaching the court’s order.

Sweeting’s relationship with the girl was confirmed by police after they received reports of his behavior. The court heard that Sweeting had previously breached his court order by failing to notify authorities of a change of address and by using an online alias. Despite these breaches, the defense argued that there was no sexual contact beyond kissing, and that Sweeting was aware of the girl’s age. Sweeting, who had been in care since the age of 14 and had lived in various hostels, was described as making poor decisions and having very limited judgment.

Judge Mark Bury described the second breach as particularly serious, calling it a “flagrant” violation of the court’s order. He emphasized that such orders are enforceable and carry serious consequences if breached. As a result, Sweeting was sentenced to 16 months in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years.

In October 2016, Sweeting’s pattern of breaching court orders continued when he was caught in Hull despite being under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (Sopo) issued in April 2012, following his conviction for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Despite the restrictions, Sweeting was found to have exchanged indecent images with another 12-year-old girl online and had committed four additional breaches of his order. His latest violations occurred in June and August, when he was seen in the company of young children, including two three-year-olds at a friend’s house and two boys aged 12 and 15 in Hull.

Prosecutor Stephen Welch detailed that on June 18, Sweeting was at a friend’s residence between 3 pm and midnight, during which two young children were present. CCTV footage from August 20 showed Sweeting interacting with the boys, dancing and talking with them, despite his claims that they had followed him. The court considered the possibility of monitoring him with an electronic tag, similar to those used for terrorist suspects, to ensure compliance with the court’s orders.

Sweeting pleaded guilty to two breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and the case was adjourned for a psychological assessment. Judge Paul Watson QC expressed concern about his age and the need for careful consideration before sentencing, which is scheduled for October 28. The court’s proceedings underscored the ongoing danger posed by Sweeting’s repeated violations and the importance of strict enforcement of court orders to protect vulnerable members of the community.