Grooming Case: Man Sentenced for Attempted Sexual Communication with a Child

A 35-year-old man, Csaba Tokes, was sentenced to a two-year community order at Derby Crown Court after being found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. The victim, who Tokes believed to be a 14-year-old girl named "Ava," was actually an undercover police officer.

Judge Robert Egbuna acknowledged the sophisticated nature of Tokes' grooming tactics, highlighting a message he sent to "Ava" that read, "Would you like to get naked and snuggle?" He also expressed concern about Tokes' risk of future communication with young children.

The prosecution, led by Sarah Allen, outlined the course of events, starting with Tokes contacting "Ava" on the Kik app in November 2022. Their conversations later shifted to WhatsApp. "Ava" presented herself as a 14-year-old girl from Nottingham, while Tokes, who lived in Ilkeston, revealed his true age of 35.

The initial messages were not sexual in nature, primarily focusing on shared interests like video games. However, the conversation took a more explicit turn when Tokes inquired about "Ava's" sexual history, asking if she was a virgin. They also discussed the possibility of meeting in person.

Tokes was apprehended at his workplace in January 2023. He pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child between November 7 and December 3, 2022.

Benn Robinson, representing Tokes, emphasized his client's lack of prior convictions and explained that the grooming stemmed from loneliness and isolation following a recent breakup.

In addition to the community order, Judge Egbuna imposed a 43-day sex offender treatment program, 55 rehabilitation sessions, 100 hours of unpaid work, a five-year placement on the sex offender register, and a five-year sexual harm prevention order.