Andrew Pearsall, 61, has been sentenced to 63 months in prison for grooming a young boy and recording a sexual act during a WhatsApp call. The court heard how Pearsall exploited the boy, whom he met through an online truck driving simulation game, and maintained contact via WhatsApp over the course of a year.
Pearsall targeted the boy, aware of his difficult home life and bullying experiences at school, and sent him gifts during the COVID-19 pandemic to gain his trust. Despite Pearsall’s denial of any sexual interest in children, the judge described his actions as evidence of a “deep-seated sexual interest in children.”
Police investigations began after receiving tips about searches for indecent images from Pearsall’s home in Hales Lane, Smethwick. On January 17, 2023, officers seized his phone, computer, and hard drive, uncovering 63 indecent images of children as young as three.
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Additionally, authorities found a 10-minute video Pearsall made during a recent WhatsApp call where the boy performed a sexual act. The boy disclosed that he met “Andy” while playing online games and maintained contact through WhatsApp, speaking for hours every few days. Pearsall sent him parcels containing drinks, wristbands, and chocolates during lockdown.
During the investigation, Pearsall and his family were reportedly uncooperative and hostile toward police. Pearsall has a previous conviction for gross indecency involving a child dating back to 1989.
In court, Pearsall pleaded guilty to multiple charges including causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and production and possession of indecent images.
Sentencing, Recorder Jackson highlighted the extensive grooming and Pearsall’s exploitation of a troubled, vulnerable child. In addition to his prison term, Pearsall was ordered to remain on the sex offenders register for life and placed under a sexual harm prevention order.
This case underscores the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from exploitation.