Wellesbourne man Stephen Lidzy jailed after grooming 14-year-old girl
A 28-year-old man from Wellesbourne who initiated sexual contact with a child has been jailed for nearly seven years.
Stephen Lidzy of Newbold Place, Wellesbourne, faced charges relating to the grooming of a 14-year-old girl and inciting her into sexual activity in February 2018.
He was arrested on 2th6 February 2018 after the victim told a relative what had happened to her.
After meeting the girl they spent the several weeks chatting and texting.
They met up on 2nd February when Lidzy gave the girl cocaine before later in the evening inciting her into sexual activity.
Lidzy was jailed for six years and eight months and ordered to sign the sex offender register for life.
Last week he was found guilty of supplying cocaine, two counts of sexual activity with a child and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. He was jailed for six years and eight months.
Detective Sergeant Jen Baker from Warwickshire Police CID said: “Despite knowing his victim was only 14 Lidzy pursued her for his own sexual gratification.
“Lidzy’s behaviour was characteristic of those who seek to exploit and abuse children. He attempted to make a child feel special by giving her alcohol and offering her drugs, yet all the time he was grooming her.
“Officers acted quickly to arrest Lidzy following the report to ensure the safeguarding of a child and to prevent Lidzy committing further offences against those most vulnerable in society.
“I would like to pay tribute to the victim who has shown immense bravery during this investigation and true courage in reporting her ordeal to police meaning this man is now in prison and unable to cause further harm.”
What is grooming?
Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with someone so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them.
Spotting the signs of child grooming.
Spotting the signs of a child being groomed can be difficult. They may include:
- Being secretive, especially around their online activity
- Having an older boyfriend or girlfriend
- Having money or new things such as mobile phones or clothes they can’t or won’t account for
- Drinking or taking drugs
- Spending more or less time online
- Being upset, withdrawn or distressed
- Sexualised behaviour not appropriate for their age
- Going missing from home.
- How to report concern around grooming
If someone is in immediate danger dial 999
If it is not an emergency call police on 101
Visit a police station to speak to an officer in person
Contact the NSPCC to speak to a professional practitioner
contact the children's social care team at your local council
Make an anonymous report to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
