PAIGTON BUILDER NICHOLAS BRIARD SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS FOR GROOMING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In a case that has shocked the community of Paignton, a 57-year-old builder named Nicholas Briard has been sentenced to two years in prison after attempting to meet a 13-year-old girl for sexual activity.The incident came to light when self-styled paedophile hunters intervened, filming Briard as he arrived at the designated meeting spot, believing he was about to meet a young girl he had been communicating with online.
Authorities had set up a decoy profile on a popular dating site called 'Nearby' to catch individuals seeking to exploit minors.
Briard, who had been actively engaging with the decoy, was caught after he enthusiastically agreed to meet her, promising her an enjoyable sexual encounter and even suggesting they go shopping for provocative underwear.
His intentions were clear, and his messages became increasingly explicit as the conversation progressed.
During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, Briard pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, but the evidence presented proved otherwise.
The court was told that Briard, a builder by profession, had identified the decoy’s profile and had spent approximately two and a half months exchanging sexually explicit messages with her, fully aware that she was only 13 years old.
The messages began with seemingly innocent greetings but quickly escalated into explicit content.
His first message to the decoy read, “Hi gorgeous xx,” and he continued to compliment her appearance, asking, “You look gorgeous, how could someone so sexy and with a good figure be single?” As the exchanges continued, Briard sent a graphic photograph of his genitals and requested that she send him nude pictures of herself.
Judge Jeremy Wright, presiding over the case, described Briard’s actions as grooming.
He stated, “Over a period of two-and-a-half months, you communicated with and attempted to groom a 13-year-old girl to have sex with you by flattery and the promise of gifts.
You sent extremely explicit texts.” The messages included questions about their future meeting, such as “Are you looking forward to sleeping with me?” When the girl expressed some fear, Briard reassured her, claiming he would be gentle and that she would enjoy the experience.
He also mentioned taking her shopping for “sexy black underwear” and expressed his eagerness to have sex with her for the first time.
As the situation developed and obstacles arose regarding their meeting, Briard grew angry and accused the decoy of “messing him about” through messages.
During his arrest, police found that Briard was in possession of 11 grams of amphetamine.
In light of his actions, the court imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict his contact with minors and ensure public safety.
Judge Wright sentenced Briard to two years in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his grooming behavior and the danger posed to children.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat online exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predatory individuals in communities like Paignton.
