Rothley man who groomed girls on social media jailed for 28 years

Leicestershire Police are asking anyone who has been in contact with him to contact them.

A man from Rothley has been jailed after carrying out a string of sexual offences against girls he groomed on Snapchat.

Paul Lipscombe, 51, from Rothley, was sentenced for a total of 34 crimes against six girls – aged between 12 and 15 – after targeting them via the social media app.

An extensive police investigation is working to uncover the extent of his offending after identifying six girls he had abused from across the country.  

After gaining their trust, Lipscombe would arrange to meet with the girls in private locations where he would commit acts of rape and sexual assault.

Today (Tuesday 11 November), at Leicester Crown Court, he was sentenced to 28 years and one month imprisonment after pleading guilty in February.

During interactions on social media, he used his own name as well as  ‘Dom Woodmore’ and ‘George’ when contacting girls.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Lauren Speight from the CAIU, said: “Lipscombe has been using Snapchat as a way to meet underage girls. He was able to groom them and persuade them to meet with him so he could carry out these horrendous crimes.

“Following a detailed examination of his devices, I was presented with the overwhelming amount of evidence relating to his conversations and encounters with these girls.

“When reviewing his electronic devices and online storage accounts, they contained a significant amount of illegal material which included both AI generated images and images of real children being abused. The software for creating the AI material was located on his computer.

“Not only was Lipscombe creating these images, but he was also found to have several online social media accounts and a personalised website, specifically for advertising access to these images at a cost.

“Our investigation into the offending carried out by this man is continuing. We suspect he may have been in contact with other girls and could well have committed sexual offences against others. We would urge anyone who has been in contact with him to contact us. We are specially trained to speak to children who may have been victims of similar offences.

“I would also like to praise the girls and their families for supporting our investigation during what has been an extremely difficult and distressing 18 months. It is thanks to them that Lipscombe is now behind bars and unable to prey on children anymore.”

For anyone who wants to report information or possible offences committed by Lipscombe, visit: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM25I66-PO1

or call Leicestershire Police on 101. In an emergency always call 999.

For more information around spotting the signs and where to get further support, visit: https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/gr/grooming/