MARK ABBERLEY FROM CREWE AND WANDSWORTH JAILED FOR GROOMING PLOT AT LONDON TUBE STATION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Crewe and Wandsworth, a former prison officer has been sentenced to prison for engaging in a sinister online grooming scheme targeting what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The incident unfolded in April 2008, culminating in a court hearing at Southwark Crown Court where the gravity of his actions was laid bare.

Mark Abberley, aged 43 and residing at Peter Place in Crewe, was employed at Wandsworth Prison at the time of the offences. His role in the correctional facility did not prevent him from engaging in criminal behavior that involved preying on a minor through the internet. The court was informed that Abberley had initiated conversations with what he thought was a young girl, but in reality, he was communicating with an adult working undercover with police authorities.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Abberley had instructed the supposed schoolgirl to wear provocative underwear, advised her to take the contraceptive pill, and encouraged her to skip school, all in an effort to manipulate and exploit her. The online exchanges became increasingly explicit, with Abberley admitting that he had sat naked in front of his computer during their chats. His intentions escalated to the point where he agreed to meet the girl at a Tube station in London.

However, his plans were thwarted when police officers, who had been monitoring the online interactions, were waiting for him at the designated location. Upon his arrival, Abberley was promptly arrested by the officers. Further investigations into his computer revealed a disturbing collection of child exploitation material, including a video depicting an 11-year-old girl being tied up and raped. This footage was classified as among the most severe category of child pornography.

Abberley later admitted to attempting to meet a child for sexual purposes, a charge related to his grooming efforts in June of the same year. He also pleaded guilty to downloading the illicit video, which the court recognized as a grave offense. The judge sentenced him to 15 months in prison, emphasizing the serious nature of his crimes and the threat posed to children by such online predators.