Worthing man jailed for grooming and engaging in sexual activity with children

A Worthing man who groomed two children on social media and engaged in sexual activity with one of them has been jailed.

Jack Laingchild, 36, of Pond Lane in Worthing, began communicating with two girls – aged 14 and 15 at the time – via social media in the summer of 2018.

Laingchild sent sexualised messages and pictures of his genitals, before meeting both of the girls on multiple occasions, giving them cannabis before engaging in sexual activity in his car.

Both girls reported the incidents to their parents, who informed the police, and an investigation was launched while both children were safeguarded.

Laingchild was identified as a suspect and subsequently arrested.

At Lewes Crown Court on 17 January, 2024, he was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a child and two counts of engaging in sexual communications with children. A charge of rape was ordered to lie on file.

At the same court on 8 March, Laingchild was jailed for four years, ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order significantly reducing his access to and ability to harm children.

Detective Constable Katie Brixey said: “Jack Laingchild showed a calculated plan to groom his victims, isolate them with the offer of illegal drugs and exploit them for his own sexual gratification.

“Thankfully they had the courage and foresight to report his offending to their parents, who in turn came to the police so they could be safeguarded and Laingchild brought to justice.

“He now faces a period behind bars and is subject to orders designed to stop him causing further harm to young people.”