Former Carnival Chairman Jailed

The former chairman of Desborough Carnival has been jailed for two and half years for trying to groom a 13 year old girl on-line.

Michael Crick admitted 18 counts of attempting to incite the teenager to engage in sexual activity.

He was arrested after undercover Police officers posed as a child on a chat-room and had a conversation with the 67-year-old, who thought he was taking to a young girl.

Crick, of Pioneer Avenue, Desborough, who ran the carnival for over ten years until last year, also admitted a similar charge relating to another 13-year-old girl.

Michael Crick

He also admitted one similar count, involving a girl under the age of 13, and two further charges of making indecent images of children.

Northampton Crown Court heard police had arrested him on suspicion of attempting to groom a child online. Further examination of his computers revealed he had been involved in dozens of interactions with children or with adults, masquerading as children, online.

Crick has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years.

DC Jason Cullum from Northamptonshire Police’s POLIT Team, said: “I welcome the sentence handed down to Michael Crick and I hope it demonstrates how serious Northamptonshire Police is in pursuing people who look to take groom and take advantage of children.

“Crick is a severe sexual predator who used his position as an adult to manipulate vulnerable children. The fact he is now behind bars is a great thing for the people of Northamptonshire.

“As a result of this operation, a child was safeguarded and is now receiving support. If you’re worried about a child, please tell someone or give us a call on 101 so we can help.”