PAUL ROGERSON GOMERSAL CHILD ABDUCTOR AND PERVERTED PARENTAL GROOMER IN LEEDS

In February 2013, a disturbing case of child abduction and sexual grooming unfolded involving Paul Rogerson, a 29-year-old man from Gomersal. Rogerson's actions, which included luring a 14-year-old girl through online communication and subsequently taking her to a tattoo parlour, have shocked the local community and led to his imprisonment.

Rogerson first established contact with the young girl via Facebook, where he misrepresented himself as an 18-year-old. Over time, he engaged her in inappropriate and suggestive messages, demonstrating a clear pattern of grooming behavior. The girl, who was only 14 at the time, was manipulated into believing she was communicating with a peer, which facilitated Rogerson’s sinister plans.

According to court proceedings at Leeds Crown Court, Rogerson’s grooming culminated in him meeting the girl in person at her school gates. Accompanying her was a friend, and Rogerson’s intentions became increasingly disturbing. He purchased alcohol, specifically alcopops, for both the girl and her friend at a local supermarket, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.

Subsequently, Rogerson took the girl to a tattoo parlour under false pretenses. He signed a consent form allowing her to have her tongue pierced, an act that was part of his grooming scheme. Court documents reveal that Rogerson had plans to have the girl’s name tattooed on his body, indicating a deeper level of obsession and manipulation. A stencil for the tattoo was prepared, but Rogerson abruptly left the premises, claiming he needed to go to the bank, and never returned.

The girl’s parents discovered the tongue piercing the following day and, concerned about her safety, traced Rogerson to the tattoo parlour. His arrest followed, and during police questioning, Rogerson was unable to provide any reasonable explanation for his actions. The victim later expressed regret, admitting she had “done something stupid” by meeting Rogerson and going along with his plans.

Legal representatives for Rogerson highlighted that he had no prior criminal record. During the sentencing, Ian Brook, defending Rogerson, described him as a socially inadequate individual who lacked the social skills necessary to form genuine relationships. Brook also remarked on the girl’s own perception of Rogerson, noting that she found him to be “horrible, creepy, pretty massive, fat and ugly,” and initially thought he looked around 50 years old. The defence suggested that Rogerson’s actions were indicative of a man struggling with social integration and self-esteem issues.

Ultimately, Rogerson was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to charges including child abduction, meeting a child following sexual grooming, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. His case underscores the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians to protect vulnerable young people from predators lurking in cyberspace.