Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday 6th March 2025, at 19:30hrs
A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for the horrific grooming and rape of a 12-year-old girl, highlighting the devastating impact of online predators on vulnerable children.
Richard Bosworth, from Coalville, Leicestershire, used a fake online profile to befriend the young victim, presenting himself as a teenager, before carrying out his appalling crimes.
The stark age difference between the perpetrator and his victim underscores the predatory nature of Bosworth’s actions.
He meticulously groomed the 12-year-old through the BeFriend social media platform for a month, gaining her trust before meeting her in person.
The victim’s ordeal began in the early hours of September 19, 2024, when Bosworth drove from Leicestershire to Twickenham to collect her.
Despite his attempts to conceal his identity, investigators from the Metropolitan Police Service, utilizing phone data and CCTV footage, were able to track him down.
Detective Inspector Kieran Curry praised the victim’s bravery, stating, “I commend the young survivor in this case for her courage. She found the strength to confide in officers, and her account of this appalling assault proved crucial in securing Bosworth’s conviction.”
The case highlights the dangers children face online and the importance of vigilance. Bosworth’s actions, abusing a child significantly younger than him, demonstrate a calculated and predatory pattern.
Bosworth pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and seven other sexual offences, including sexual assault on a child under 13, engaging in sexual communication with a child, and causing a child to watch a sexual act.
His sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the devastating impact on the young victim.
In addition to his 16-year prison sentence, Bosworth will be placed on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring continued monitoring and protection for other children.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust online safety measures and the importance of reporting any suspicions of child exploitation.
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