'Calculated and callous' sex offender posed as teenager to groom girl, 15, online

A "callous" sex offender lied online to snare a 15-year-old girl. Daniel Allcock, also known as Daniel Smith, has now been sentenced to six years in prison, plus four years on extended licence.

The 27-year-old appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to numerous offences, including causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and sexual activity with a child.

Allcock, from Crewe, was initially arrested in April following allegations that he had posed as a 19-year-old man online in order to groom and meet a 15-year-old girl between December 2023 and April 2024. The victim was just 14 when the pair began speaking on social media; she even confirmed her age to him, and he told her he was 19.

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He arranged to meet her on multiple occasions, organising her travel for her and telling her where to meet him. He then engaged in sexual activity with her repeatedly. When concerns were raised by the victim’s school and social services, Cheshire Police was informed.

Checks revealed that Allcock was known to Cheshire Police for previous sexual offences and was far older than he was purporting to be. He was arrested on April 18 charged, and remanded, and safeguarding was put in place to support the young victim.

Allcock subsequently pleaded guilty. On top of his custodial sentence, he will remain on the sex offender’s register for life and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order. A restraining order has also been imposed.

Following the sentencing, DC Kieran Marsh said: “Firstly, I would like to praise the bravery of the victim in speaking to the police about her ordeal, and while