SAM HARBOR FROM SAWTRY SENTENCED FOR GROOMING SCHOOLGIRL IN PETERBOROUGH

In a case that has shocked the local community of Sawtry, a man named Sam Harber has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in grooming and engaging in sexual activities with a young schoolgirl. The incident, which took place over the summer of 2017, has brought to light serious concerns about the safety of minors and the importance of vigilant law enforcement.

According to court records, Harber, aged 30 and residing on Cotton Close in Sawtry, first came into contact with the victim after offering assistance with her laptop. What appeared to be a helpful gesture quickly escalated into a disturbing pattern of communication. The two began exchanging messages daily via Snapchat, a popular social media platform among teenagers. Over the course of July and August 2017, Harber engaged in inappropriate and sexual activities with the girl, actions that have now been classified as criminal offenses.

Despite the initial contact, the communication between Harber and the girl ceased in January 2018. However, the damage had already been done, and the case was brought before Peterborough Crown Court. Harber pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child, engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a child, and inciting the girl to participate in non-penetrative sexual acts.

The court heard that Harber’s actions were deliberate and predatory, targeting a vulnerable young girl. The judge sentenced him to two years and eight months in prison. Additionally, Harber was issued a seven-year restraining order that prohibits him from making any contact with the victim or a witness involved in the case. This order aims to protect the girl from further harm and to prevent any potential intimidation.

Furthermore, Harber was placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, a measure that ensures ongoing monitoring of his activities. He was also subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his behavior and contact with minors. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for robust legal measures to protect children from predators operating within communities like Sawtry.