ROBERT ANDERSON'S CHANDLER'S FORD CHILD GROOMING SCHEME REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Robert Anderson, a 33-year-old resident of Chandler's Ford, was found guilty of engaging in a calculated and sinister campaign of grooming underage girls for sexual exploitation. The details of his actions, which spanned several months, have painted a grim picture of a man who used modern technology and social media platforms to prey on vulnerable children.

According to court reports, Anderson created multiple fake identities on social networking websites that are popular among young people. His primary aim was to establish contact with underage girls, some as young as 13, under the guise of being a teenage boy. This deception allowed him to build trust and manipulate his victims into a false sense of security. Prosecutors described his approach as a “sophisticated campaign” of grooming, highlighting the calculated nature of his actions.

Anderson would begin by showering his young targets with compliments, often praising their appearance or personality. Over time, he would escalate his advances by asking them to perform explicit acts on webcam, including stripping in front of the camera. The court heard that his grooming extended beyond online interactions, as he would sometimes meet the girls in person. On these occasions, he would pick them up in his car, often in the New Forest area, and buy them McDonald's meals to win their favor. To further manipulate and control his victims, Anderson would also supply alcohol, making it easier to exploit them sexually.

The case came to light after a family member of one of the victims discovered the disturbing online exchanges and alerted authorities. When police investigated, Anderson confessed to being a sexual predator, admitting that he had used social media to contact and groom underage girls with the intent of having sex with them. Prosecutor Gavin Sumpter told the court that Anderson described his sexual fantasies as “mental and out of control,” revealing the depth of his depravity.

Evidence presented in court showed that Anderson had groomed at least eight girls, aged between 13 and 15. One of his victims was targeted through Tagged.com, a social networking site linked to Facebook. After establishing contact via a false profile, Anderson continued communication through WhatsApp, promising the girl a McDonald's meal in exchange for a hug. The two eventually met at the Millbrook branch of McDonald's, where Anderson drove her to a secluded spot in the New Forest and kissed her. On another occasion, he took the girl and her friend into the forest, where he convinced the girl to perform a sexual act on him.

Further disturbing details emerged involving a 13-year-old girl who was persuaded to speak with Anderson over Skype. She was ordered to remove her clothes on webcam, and Anderson discussed her “sexy school uniform” and the possibility of going for a drive together. These actions underscore the calculated and predatory nature of his offenses.

Anderson, who resides on Baddesley Road, pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to engage children in sexual activity and grooming offenses. During sentencing at Southampton Crown Court, Judge Peter Ralls described his actions as “a long and serious campaign of sexual offences.” Anderson was sentenced to five years in prison. Additionally, he was handed an extended supervision order lasting four years, as he was deemed a danger to the public. A sexual harm prevention order was also imposed to restrict his future contact with minors, aiming to prevent any further abuse.