PAUL BARTLETT FROM SEAFORD ESCAPES PRISON AFTER GROOMING SCHOOLGIRL IN LEEDS

In August 2017, a disturbing case involving a young girl from Leeds unfolded, revealing the troubling actions of Paul Bartlett, a 22-year-old man from Seaford. Bartlett appeared before Leeds Crown Court to face serious charges related to his inappropriate and illegal conduct involving a minor.

He pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16, which included acts of penetration, as well as possessing indecent images of children. The court was informed that Bartlett, who was in a relationship at the time of the offences, had groomed a vulnerable 14-year-old schoolgirl over a period of several months. This grooming process involved manipulative tactics aimed at persuading the girl, who was suffering from mental health issues, to engage in sexual acts.

The offences took place in Otley, a town within Leeds, where Bartlett arranged to meet the young girl. During these meetings, he persuaded her to have sexual intercourse, exploiting her mental health vulnerabilities and her age. The investigation into the grooming revealed further disturbing details. When police examined Bartlett’s phone, they discovered indecent images of young girls. These images had been searched for and downloaded from a website known to be used by paedophiles worldwide, indicating a disturbing pattern of online activity.

In sentencing, the judge opted for a community order rather than immediate imprisonment. Bartlett was sentenced to a three-year community order that included a rehabilitation requirement, aimed at addressing his behaviour and preventing future offences. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was issued, which explicitly prohibits Bartlett from being in the company of any female under 16 and from contacting minors online. The court also imposed restrictions on his internet usage to prevent access to harmful material.

Furthermore, Bartlett was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of five years, a measure intended to monitor and manage his conduct moving forward. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to combat grooming and online exploitation, while also emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors from predatory individuals.