SEX OFFENDER WHO MET CHILD JAILED
A 28-year-old sex offender has been sentenced to five years in prison after meeting a schoolgirl at a Southend Travelodge and subsequently fleeing from the scene.Romanowski traveled to the hotel in February 2025, believing he was meeting a girl who was 14 years old.
In reality, she was only 13, having lied about her age.
She quickly left the room after two minutes, prompting staff to call Essex Police.
During the court hearing, it was revealed that the pair had exchanged explicit photographs and engaged in graphic discussions about having sex.
Judge Samantha Cohen stated that Romanowski had believed the girl to be 14 and was making preparations to have sex with her while he was aware she was younger.
In the days prior to their encounter, Romanowski conducted online searches into the age of consent and the implications of a 14-year-old becoming pregnant.
He had met the girl on Badoo, an adult-only dating app, after she initiated contact in January 2025.
The judge noted that the exchanges indicated both parties intended to meet for sex.
Romanowski's defence barrister argued that the case stemmed from unusual circumstances, emphasising that Romanowski used only adult platforms and not minors' sites, and suggesting that the girl had targeted him.
Earlier in the investigation, it was discovered that she had contacted multiple adult men on Badoo.
After moving their conversation to WhatsApp, she disclosed her age, which Romanowski did not find deterrent, and they continued their sexual messaging, including sending explicit images.
Romanowski shared one of her images with a friend, which the court acknowledged as an offense involving the distribution of indecent images of a child, though he was not charged for this specific act.
The court noted his disregard for her privacy and dignity, highlighting that he messaged 159 women that week, all adults.
The judge described Romanowski’s behavior as driven by a compulsive obsession with sex, to the extent that he disregarded societal norms.
While traveling to Southend, he viewed pornography involving virgins, and the girl showed signs of hesitation, requesting to meet in a restaurant before going to the hotel, which was captured on CCTV.
She appeared nervous and apprehensive, and shortly after arriving, Romanowski asked her to follow him outside, suggesting he was conscious of the legality and morality of his actions.
Their brief encounter at the Travelodge lasted only two minutes before the girl fled and sought help from staff.
Police were called, and Romanowski fled the scene.
The girl accused him of sexual assault during their encounter, but the jury was unable to reach a verdict on that charge.
The prosecution decided not to pursue a retrial.
Romanowski was convicted on multiple charges, including sexual communication with a minor, inciting a sexual act, meeting a child after grooming, and possessing cannabis.
Sentenced to five years, he will also be a lifelong registrant on the sex offenders register and subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order that restricts his internet access and contact with children.
The judge emphasised that Romanowski, as the adult, should have stopped the situation immediately, reported her to Badoo, and refrained from meeting her.
