Grooming was a key element of the crime and conviction. Grooming involves manipulation and considers whether it was part of organised Child Sex Exploitation which it was. Thus this was a key factoring his sentencing which at 21 years was higher than the tariff for rape, between 6 and 19 years.
That he was a gang leader also was an aggravating factor that contributed to his 21 year life sentence. Since his actions we know the authorities have moved forward in understanding CSE- as we know the police at the time, 2009, made some terrible judgements e.g. some victims may have been under age prostitutes.
The press picked up on the judge's sentencing remarks at time of conviction no doubt and the label has stuck. The label does have the benefit however of spelling out the risks of CSE and grooming and that men can operate in gangs- to vulnerable young girls.
Would you think it was odd if a younger person wanted to befriend you?
