TREVOR IRVING OF LEEDS JAILED FOR GROOMING AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In July 2008, Trevor Irving, a 54-year-old man from Edgeware Mount, Leeds, was sentenced to prison after grooming a teenage girl he met online. Irving was convicted of grooming and possessing 13 indecent images of children, and has been mandated to register as a sex offender for life.

The victim, who believed Irving was her age, initially connected with him via the internet. On March 12, she agreed to meet him in person, and Irving took her from her home in Astley to the Trafford Centre. The incident came to light when a member of the public noticed Irving kissing and holding hands with the girl as if they were lovers, and reported it to security staff.

Security staff alerted the authorities, and police arrived to arrest Irving, who was subsequently taken into custody. Further investigations revealed Irving’s stash of child pornography.

Detective Constable Jackie Hulme of Wigan CID commented on the case: “Irving is a menace who has preyed on a young girl. He knew how young she was yet he still arranged to meet her in person. This is obviously predatory sexual behaviour. He represents a clear danger to children and I am glad he has been taken off the streets. This case also shows any potential groomers that they risk arrest and prosecution when they are communicating over the internet.”