NICHOLAS COLLINS FROM LEYLAND JAILED FOR GROOMING TEENAGE GIRL AT ROCK CONCERT IN PRESTON AND LIVERPOOL

In October 2013, Nicholas Collins, a 23-year-old resident of Moss Lane, Leyland, was sentenced to 21 months in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activity and grooming a teenage girl he met at a rock concert. The incident unfolded after Collins and the girl, who was just shy of her 16th birthday, developed a connection that extended beyond the concert venue.

Collins first met the girl at a live performance by the band Lost Prophets. Following their initial encounter, the two exchanged contact details, including phone numbers, and maintained communication through various channels such as Facebook, text messages, and phone calls. Their relationship escalated as Collins took deliberate steps to spend more time with her, including arranging transportation and accommodation.

When the band announced a concert at 53 Degrees in Preston, Collins organized train tickets to the city for the girl. He also booked a hotel room at a Travelodge, where they spent the night together. The court was informed that the girl had told her mother she planned to stay with friends in the Midlands. However, a friend noticed an exchange of messages between the girl and Collins, which raised suspicion. The friend reported this to her mother, leading to police involvement.

Subsequently, Collins was arrested and admitted to spending the night with the girl. Despite being on bail, the pair continued their communication, and they arranged to meet again in Liverpool, where they spent another night together. The court heard that Collins had a prior police caution related to a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 18, indicating a troubling pattern.

During the trial, Richard English, representing Collins, argued that the relationship was consensual and that both parties were genuinely fond of each other. He emphasized that the girl was described by her mother as sensible and level-headed, and that their shared interest was music. English contended that the law's condemnation was based on the age difference and timing, but insisted that there was no manipulation or grooming involved, characterizing the relationship as affectionate.

However, the presiding judge, Recorder William Smith, highlighted the seriousness of the offense. He acknowledged that the sexual activity occurred shortly before the girl’s 16th birthday, noting that if it had happened a few months later, it would not have been an offense. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the law requires a clear boundary to protect minors. The judge stated, “You stepped over that line, and knowingly stepped over that line, which is drawn to protect young girls.”

As part of his sentence, Collins was ordered to serve 21 months in prison, to sign the sex offenders register for a decade, and to be subject to a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). The case underscores the importance of legal boundaries designed to safeguard minors from exploitation, even in cases where relationships may appear consensual or affectionate.