THOMAS HARTLEY FROM RISHTON CAUGHT IN SEXUAL PREDATION ON SCHOOLGIRLS NEAR BURNLEY

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Rishton community and the surrounding areas near Burnley, Thomas Hartley, a 20-year-old resident of Bridge Street, Rishton, was found guilty of attempting to solicit sexual acts from underage girls via social media and text messaging. The incident, which took place early last year, involved Hartley engaging with three young girls, aged 12 and 13, through Facebook and mobile messages, in a clear attempt to persuade them to engage in sexual activities.

Although Hartley never physically met the girls, his actions demonstrated a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior. The court heard that he derived some form of gratification from his online interactions, which included asking one girl to perform a sex act. When she expressed disinterest, she mentioned that her friend might be willing to participate. The second girl initially went along with Hartley's requests but later withdrew, while the third girl was directly asked to perform an indecent act. The case came to light after one of the girls confided in her brother, revealing the situation, which led to police involvement. It was also disclosed that her father was involved in the case, further complicating the circumstances.

During the court proceedings at Burnley Crown Court, Hartley admitted to three counts of causing or inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity. His defense argued that he had not been in trouble for the past 18 months, highlighting a period of apparent behavioral change. However, the judge, Simon Newell, was unequivocal in his condemnation of Hartley's actions, emphasizing that what he did was not only inappropriate but also criminal and morally wrong.

As part of his sentence, Hartley was handed an 18-month jail term, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was placed under two years of supervision, required to adhere to a curfew from 8 pm to 6 am, and mandated to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register. Hartley, who has a history of cannabis use and alcohol consumption, was also reminded of the serious consequences of his actions and the importance of adhering to the law. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people from exploitation.