MEREWORTH MAN MARTYN PALMER JAILED FOR GROOMING CHILD ON FACEBOOK IN MAIDSTONE

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming, Martyn Palmer, a 38-year-old resident of Butchers Lane in Mereworth, was sentenced to prison after attempting to engage in a sexual relationship with a minor he believed to be a teenage girl. The incident came to light when a woman police officer, posing as a young girl on the internet, successfully lured Palmer into revealing his intentions.

It was revealed during proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court that the police officer had taken on the role of a 15-year-old girl after a real girl contacted authorities to report that Palmer had tried to groom her through Facebook. The court heard that Palmer had initiated contact with the girl, who was underage, and had sent explicit photographs of himself exposing his genitals and performing a sex act via webcam.

The court was informed that Palmer was fully aware of the girl’s age at the time of their online interactions. Despite this knowledge, he made it clear that he was eager to meet her in person and pursue a sexual relationship. The police officer, acting as the girl, continued the conversation, which became increasingly sexual in nature, according to prosecutor Anne Phillips.

Palmer’s arrest took place in September of the previous year. During police questioning, he denied any sexual interest in children, claiming that the girl had told him she was 16 years old. However, the evidence collected during the investigation contradicted his claims.

Judge Charles Macdonald QC delivered the sentence, expressing his disapproval of Palmer’s actions. He rejected Palmer’s assertion of remorse, emphasizing the seriousness of the offence. Palmer was sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting to the charge of arranging to meet a child following sexual grooming. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years and will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order for 15 years, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of minors in the digital age.