NATHAN SCRIVEN CAUGHT IN CHEDLETON TRYING TO MEET 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SHOCKING ONLINE PREDATION INCIDENT

Nathan Scriven, a 28-year-old man from Cheddleton, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation after attempting to meet a girl he believed was only 14 years old. The incident unfolded near his home in Cheddleton, where he was caught in a sting operation designed to protect children from online predators.

According to court proceedings, Scriven had engaged in online conversations with a girl named Olivia, who was actually an undercover officer from the Elusive Child Protection Unit. The communication began on a social networking site called SayHi, where Scriven expressed interest in establishing a relationship. The conversation then moved to WhatsApp, where he continued to communicate with Olivia, revealing his intentions and seeking explicit material.

During their exchanges, Scriven asked Olivia for sexual photographs, claiming he was in Macclesfield on December 15 and inquiring whether she was interested in having some 'fun.' His messages quickly turned explicit, as he received and viewed photographs of Olivia, along with videos of her performing sexual acts. Additionally, he sent a photograph of his private parts, further demonstrating his intent.

Scriven then made arrangements to meet Olivia near his residence in Cheddleton, believing he would be meeting a minor for sexual activity. However, members of the sting operation intercepted him before the meeting could take place. They detained him and held him until police officers arrived to arrest him.

Following his arrest, Scriven faced multiple charges in court, including attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, grooming a minor with the intent to meet for sexual purposes, and arranging for a child to observe sexual activity. He subsequently pleaded guilty to all charges.

In sentencing, the court imposed a prison term of three years and four months. Additionally, Scriven was subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. The judge acknowledged that Scriven had no prior convictions and described him as socially immature. A probation officer suggested that he would benefit from a cognitive assessment to better understand his behavior.

The judge emphasized the naivety and inexperience that characterized Scriven’s actions, noting that the conversations with the decoy quickly turned to sexual topics. The court’s proceedings highlighted the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable minors from predators like Scriven.