Is grooming illegal?

[bantingm]

If an adult of 49, 'groomed' a child from the age of 14, but did not have sexual intercourse with her until she was 16, has he commited an offence? Is it illegal?

[cazzz1975]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/R elationships-and-Dating/Question670080.html

[sara3]

I posted a link on the previous page.

[joggerjayne]

If taking a law degree, sitting the Law Society exams, qualifying as a solicitor, but then opting to pursue a considerably more lucrative career instead counts for anything, then yes, there is a "sort of" lawyer here.

[Gormless]

Then you will be able to give a decent legal opinion.

[Barmaid]

What I meant in my previous post is that the "touching" etc could amount to an offence under previous Sexual Offences legislation. Grooming was specifically introduced in the SOA, but any touching - particular on the genitalia or breasts would result in a charge of indecent assault. The poster referred to touching in a previous post. Naked photographs (if of the poster and if under age) would also constitute an offence.

[joggerjayne]

I did. Look at the first post on the thread !

[cazzz1975]

sorry sara, just wondering why the bickering

[Prudentia]

on here there is no such thing as the real world, its all b**ls**t and paradise, move on and just hope for the best, Love Prudentia

[joggerjayne]

Exactly, barmaid.

Just as I said (except I hadn't seen the previous post).

If that sort of physical contact took place, then there does seem to have been an unlawful indecent assault on a minor.

[joggerjayne]

Good advice Pru.

Hope to bump into you elsewhere on AB.

J x

[sara3]

don't apologise cazzz.. I'm as confused as you are!

I have to say, the original post looks pretty genuine to me. my feelings are that this needs to be reported to the police. even if they (appear to) do nothing, a record will be made and there will be an increased awareness of the 3rd party.

[cazzz1975]

yes I agree, who knows this may still be happening if no one suspects anything within the community

[Barmaid]

I think the bickering started when the poster was accused of being a non genuine poster. I rarely post personal opinions in this section and try not to judge (OK, so I muck around in CB) and like to stick to bare advice but on this occasion, I felt it necessary to say something.

[sara3]

I would hate to think the poster may be under the impression that they may not be believed. genuine or not, these things do happen.

anyway, the good advice is there to see.

[wonkon-wonk]

He was a family friend and also someone who I spent alot of time with as he was teaching me my hobby
............................................................
worrying words from bantingms original post, logicaly speaking there is every chance this PERVERT is now grooming another young girl . Go to the police bantingm if you haven't already done so.


like i said earlier he is a ******* pervert.

[Barmaid]

That's what concerns me Sara. If she is getting the "this is crap" message off certain people off here it is hardly going to encourage her to report an evil and ghastly man to the police. Some members of this site should remember to button it at certain times.

[redcrx]

well lets just hope that banting can get some information from this post.

anyone think that perhaps she posted whilst at work and so couldnt reply last night?

[bantingm]

it is a serious question, i was a girl of 14 when said person of 49 started 'grooming' me, after watching eastenders the other night i realised i should havbe done something, to stop him doing it again...it went on for 3 years before i got the strength to tell anyone about it...he stole my childhood,

thanks for those believing in me, and giving me the answer i neeeded to be strong and get this person the punishment he deserved....

[bantingm]

sorry, i do only get internet at work, and not at home.

i cant believe my post caused such bickering, all i needed was some genuine advice, which alot of you offered...maybe i should have exaplined my question better, but after writting it out in relationships i was feeling pretty rubbish about dragging up the past. i now know what i have to do, THANK YOU EVERONE WHO HELPED, the others, try and consider other peoples feelings, and how your petty scaubles are so insignifiant in a world of all this wrong doing...

[sam100]

Nicely said Bantingm!!

Everyone: even if this wasnt a genuine post (which it is) its dissappointing to see how many people have had a dig on the subject. What if some other person in a similar situation was reading this? Doesnt exactly encourage people to speak out and ask for advice does it?

Maybe people should be a bit more sensitive in their opinions sometimes.!!