Oliver Vause

Oliver Vause, a 30-year-old man from Riddlesden near Keighley, was convicted at Bradford Crown Court of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual communications with a child, possessing extreme pornography involving bestiality, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The court heard that Vause deliberately targeted a 13-year-old girl online, lying about his age to gain her trust. He messaged her repeatedly, steering conversations into sexual territory and pressuring her to send photographs of herself. Despite her reluctance, she was worn down by his persistent demands. Vause sent her an image of his erect penis and suggested meeting in person for sex, fully aware of her young age.

Judge Nadim described Vause's conduct as 'deliberate, persistent, manipulative, and sexually motivated,' rejecting his claim that it was innocent role-play. The judge noted that the victim was 'frightened, overwhelmed, and compelled to comply,' highlighting a clear pattern of grooming behaviour. Vause used online communications to entrap and sexualise the child, and his possession of extreme pornographic images involving bestiality raised serious concerns about his sexual deviance and the risk he posed to the public.

In court, it was revealed that Vause was in denial about his attraction to children. Although mitigation argued that the offending occurred over a short period and did not persist, Judge Nadim deemed him dangerous, stating, 'You present a significant risk of harm to the public.' The case was reported by The Telegraph & Argus, with details from West Yorkshire Police.