PAUL MCDONALD FROM MATLOCK SENTENCED FOR GROOMING 15-YEAR-OLD BOY IN DERBYSHIRE

In September 2014, a man from Derbyshire, identified as Paul McDonald, was sentenced to serve a significant prison term after being found guilty of engaging in the sexual grooming of a 15-year-old boy he met through online platforms. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that spanned over a two-month period, during which McDonald, aged 47, cultivated a relationship with the young victim under false pretenses.

Paul McDonald, who resides at Gateway Court in Matlock, admitted to several serious charges, including meeting a child following sexual grooming, encouraging the child to partake in sexual activities, and possessing indecent images of children classified in the lowest category. The sentencing took place at Derby Crown Court, where Recorder Nirmal Shant QC emphasized the gravity of McDonald's actions. The judge stated, "You befriended through a website a 15-year-old boy. There followed a period of grooming, it followed that this young lad, who was vulnerable, came to see you as a friend and trusted you and you abused that trust."

The court heard that McDonald and the victim had met approximately twenty times over the course of two months. Despite the number of meetings, sexual activity was confirmed to have occurred only once. Prosecutor Karen Davenport-Coles detailed that McDonald had taken the boy out for meals and had even given him cigarettes, actions that further manipulated and exploited the young teenager.

The disturbing case came to light when McDonald, along with the victim and another boy, stayed at a hotel in September of the previous year. The other boy, who suspected inappropriate behavior, reported his concerns, leading to police involvement and subsequent investigation. It was also noted that McDonald had no prior criminal convictions, which added a layer of complexity to the case.

During mitigation, James Horne, representing McDonald, expressed remorse and described the process as incredibly difficult and embarrassing for his client. Horne stated that McDonald had been honest with police during his arrest and was in the process of coming to terms with his sexuality, having recently identified as homosexual. He explained that McDonald had been using websites intended for adults, but during this period, he met the victim.

As part of his sentence, Paul McDonald is required to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely upon release from prison. Additionally, he must adhere to a sexual offences prevention order, which aims to prevent any further offending behavior. The case underscores the serious consequences of online grooming and exploitation, especially involving vulnerable minors in Derbyshire.