Lewis Plane

Lewis Plane, a 33-year-old resident of Colchester, Essex, was sentenced to six years in prison at Ipswich Crown Court on 6 February 2025 for a series of child sexual exploitation offences. Initially denying the charges, Plane changed his plea at the start of his trial in December 2024, admitting to grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

The case was investigated by Essex Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation team, who built a comprehensive evidence file leading to Plane's arrest. Evidence revealed that in October 2024, Plane used a fake Snapchat profile to contact the victim, posing as a 17-year-old boy. He sent multiple inappropriate and sexualised messages, including videos of himself performing indecent acts, and convinced the girl to add him as a friend on the app.

Plane told the victim that his profile was repeatedly being shut down, prompting them to exchange phone numbers and continue their communication via WhatsApp. Within weeks of the initial contact, they arranged to meet in Clacton-on-Sea. Subsequent meetings occurred in Colchester, with the victim believing she was in a relationship with Plane, who maintained his teenage persona. These interactions continued regularly until spring 2025, when the exploitation was uncovered.

Plane admitted to three counts of sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, sexual communication with a child, and controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship. In addition to the six-year custodial sentence, he received a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order to protect potential future victims.

Following the sentencing, the victim expressed gratitude to the investigating officers, PC Eleanor Rutherford and Detective Constable Emmie Yeo, as well as her independent sexual violence advisor, Kate Allen, stating: “I don’t know how I would’ve handled this case without them. They are angels.” PC Eleanor Rutherford commended the victim's resilience, noting: “By sharing what happened to her, she has ensured that not only is this dangerous predator behind bars, but other children are protected.” She emphasised Essex Police's commitment to child protection, adding that Plane would face strict monitoring upon release.

The case highlights the dangers of online grooming, with Plane's actions demonstrating deliberate deception to exploit a vulnerable child. All details are sourced from the court proceedings at Ipswich Crown Court and statements from Essex Police.