NEVILLE POOLE FROM SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD JAILED FOR CHILD GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENCES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Neville Poole, aged 42, has been sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to a series of serious child sexual offences. The case unfolded after Poole engaged in a calculated scheme to groom a 14-year-old girl through social media platforms, posing as a teenage boy to gain her trust and manipulate her.

Poole, who was formerly residing on Twitchell View in Sutton-in-Ashfield, created a fictitious online persona that included a profile picture of a teenage boy. Over several months, he established a close and inappropriate relationship with the young girl, sending her money, music vouchers, and clothing as part of his grooming tactics. He also purchased jewelry and lingerie for her, further exerting control and influence over her.

Throughout their online interactions, Poole sent the girl indecent images of himself and photographs of himself, persuading her to send similar images despite her initial reluctance. His manipulative behavior was aimed at establishing a sexualized connection, which he continued to develop over time.

After a prolonged period of communication, Poole revealed to the girl that he had lied about his age, claiming he was 28 years old, although he was actually 42. This revelation did not deter her from continuing their contact. Eventually, the girl agreed to meet Poole in person. He traveled to her hometown, where he paid for a hotel stay, and the two engaged in sexual activity.

Following this encounter, the girl traveled twice from her home to Sutton-in-Ashfield, after Poole purchased train tickets for her. The situation came to light when the girl learned the truth about Poole’s real age, prompting her to report the matter to Nottinghamshire Police. Authorities swiftly arrested Poole, who was subsequently charged with multiple offences.

Poole pleaded guilty to 11 separate charges, which included meeting a child following grooming, causing a child to watch a sexual act, inciting sexual exploitation of a child, encouraging a child to engage in sexual activity, and engaging in sexual activity with a child. These offences spanned from December 2018 to July of the following year.

In addition to his five-year prison sentence, Poole was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, aimed at restricting his future contact with minors and preventing further offences. The investigation revealed that Poole had not only fabricated a false identity to lure the girl but also used gifts and money as tools of manipulation to maintain control over her.

Following his arrest, it took three interviews before Poole finally admitted to his actions. Initially, he denied ever meeting the girl, purchasing gifts, or sending money, despite evidence including school photographs found in his flat and underwear he had bought for her being discovered in his cupboards. The case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable young people from exploitation.