Nathan Hope

Nathan Hope, a 34-year-old man from Leigh, engaged in online grooming of a 13-year-old girl between November 2023 and March 2024. He initially contacted her via YouTube, providing his email address and phone number, before inviting her to the encrypted messaging app Discord. There, he openly declared himself a 'paedo' and expressed his desire to sexually assault her, sending a series of inappropriate and sexualised messages.

The grooming escalated as Hope met the girl on several occasions in Nottinghamshire, where he kissed her. The abusive communications were discovered by the girl's mother, who found the incriminating messages on her daughter's device. This prompted an immediate report to Nottinghamshire Police, who launched an investigation.

Police digital experts tracked down Hope, of Chatham Street, Leigh, and brought him in for questioning. He refused to provide login details for his electronic devices and offered no-comment answers during his interview. However, confronted with the evidence, Hope later pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to meeting a girl under 16 years of age following grooming, two counts of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and three offences under the Child Abduction Act.

On 7 November 2025, Hope was sentenced to three years' imprisonment. He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will restrict his online activities and access to children in the future. Detective Constable Ross Elms of Nottinghamshire Police commented on the case, stating: 'Hope was engaged in a steadily escalating relationship with a girl he thought he could exploit for his own gratification. I have no doubt, therefore, that the timely intervention of the girl’s mum helped to protect her from even more serious future abuse.'

The investigation highlighted the dangers of unmonitored online interactions, as Hope had bypassed parental controls using an unmonitored device. Nottinghamshire Police emphasised the bravery of the mother and daughter in providing evidence that led to Hope's conviction, thereby protecting other young people from potential harm. The case was reported by Birmingham Live, drawing attention to the ongoing risks of online grooming in the UK.