Stoke-on-Trent 2018-04-26

Kaylem Lewis 27

Groomed a 12-year-old girl while sending her ‘constant’ messages.

Profile Picture
Offender ID: O-1575

Locations

Bellingham Grove, Birches Head, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1

Description

Predatory paedophile Kaylem Lewis has been jailed after he groomed a 12-year-old girl while sending her constant messages.

The 21-year-old had exchanged numbers with the girl whose age he knew and started sending her innocuous texts.

But Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard the content soon became sexual, and Lewis told the victim he loved her and they would make love soon.

The defendant, of Bellingham Grove, Hanley, was found out after the girl told a friend, who reported it at school.

Prosecutor Sati Ruck said: The exchange of numbers led to them contacting each other by text message. The defendant purchased 10 credit for her phone and he was constantly texting her.

On one occasion he saw he and tried to touch her bottom. On another occasion they went for a walk and he told her he wanted to be with her when she was older, that she was beautiful and he loved her.

He told her not to say anything to anyone because he would get into trouble because of her age. He also invited her to his house on one occasion, but she said no.

The court heard the messages were sent during a two-week period in January and February. The victim confided in her friend, who told a school welfare officer. The police were then called in and Lewis was arrested.

His mobile phone and the victims were examined and revealed the text messages between them.

Miss Ruck said: References were made to him splitting up with his girlfriend to be with her.

He said she was too young to be doing anything but he would not stop her if she wanted to. He also said they would make love soon.

He then asked her to delete the text messages to avoid being detected.

Lewis went on to plead guilty to causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The court heard he had one previous conviction, for assault.

Stuart Muldoon, mitigating, said Lewis had struggled to explain his actions. Mr Muldoon said: He has failed to adequately explain his behaviour to himself. His relationship was going through a sour patch at the time.

He is ashamed, he is disgusted and he is remorseful for his offending behaviour.

Judge David Fletcher sentenced Lewis to 27 months in prison. He said: There is no doubt you knew what her age was, and from almost the outset you knew what you were doing was wrong. This was clear grooming behaviour.

A 10-year sexual harm prevention order, which restricts Lewiss future contact with children, was also imposed.

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