Groomer Jailed for Planning to Rape 12-Year-Old Girl
A predator who groomed a 12-year-old girl for months and planned to rape her has been locked up for eight years. Casey Delaney, 30, from Luton, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Friday (21/02).
Disturbing Grooming Through Snapchat
Delaney targeted the child via Snapchat from July 2023 until his arrest on February 3, 2024. He even booked a Premier Inn hotel room in Swindon to spend the night with her. Messages on the girl’s phone confirmed his sinister plan to have sex with her.
A vigilant friend spotted Delaney walking into the hotel arm-in-arm with the girl and alerted Wiltshire Police, who swiftly arrested him. Delaney remained in custody until sentencing.
Victim’s Family Speak Out
“He has taken the innocence away from our little girl. She will never get that back,” said the victim’s mother.
“During summer 2023, we noticed a big change in her behaviour but didn’t know why. Now we understand it was because of Delaney grooming her online. The impact on her mental health has been devastating.”
“As parents, seeing our daughter feel suicidal and attempt to end her life was unbearable. That she felt she had nowhere to turn left us feeling helpless.”
Police Praise Victim’s Courage
Detective Constable Geoff Newnham from Wiltshire Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team said:
“Delaney meticulously groomed the victim for months, manipulating her into sending indecent images and travelling to Swindon intending to rape her.”
“While justice has been served, the trauma caused is immense. I commend the victim’s bravery throughout this ordeal.”
The judge also handed down a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning Delaney from contacting the victim, while he will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Keeping Children Safe
Wiltshire Police work closely with children’s services and health to protect vulnerable children. They urge anyone suspecting child sexual exploitation to report it immediately.
For help or to report abuse, visit the Wiltshire Police website or call 101. Those with hearing or speech impairments can use the textphone service on 18001 101.
