Uppingham man jailed after sending woman false messages and sexually assaulting her
He pleaded guilty to stalking, involving fear of violence, and to sexual assault
A man from Uppingham who sent a woman multiple fake messages on social media before luring her to his home where he sexually assaulted her has been jailed.
Daniel Storer, aged 22, embarked on a 10-month premeditated and planned campaign creating fake accounts on social media to make contact with the victim.
This included stealing the identities of real people to create fake accounts, pretending to be a police officer, a paramedic and from a lawyer firm and creating false stories.
Messages included attempting to encourage the victim to send sexual images of herself, which the victim did not respond to.
False stories also included that animals had been bought for the victim in order to obtain money from the victim to look after the animals.
In December 2020, Storer used further false messages to lure the victim to his home where he sexually assaulted her.
The victim managed to make an audio recording of the attack and contacted police.
Leicestershire Police carried out a full investigation, with Storer also being linked to the false accounts.
At Leicester Crown Court on Friday (5 November), Storer, of Wilkes Gardens, Uppingham, pleaded guilty to stalking, involving fear of violence, and to sexual assault.
He was sentenced to four years in prison with an extended three-year licence period.
He was also made the subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and issued with a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim.
Detective Constable Ken Huddart said:
"The false accounts and messages were planned by Storer over a significant period of time and caused much distress to the victim.
"Storer had no concern whatsoever regarding the effect his actions would have on the woman.
"I wish to acknowledge the victim’s bravery throughout this case.
"Her instinct to record the attack during what must have been an extremely terrifying ordeal and her co-operation with us since was paramount in helping us to secure this conviction.
"Through sheer determination, precision and persistence, Leicestershire Police officers and staff then worked to prove this case in court and have now taken a dangerous individual off the street thereby helping to protect other potential victims of these horrendous offences."