Alexander Sands, aged 33, of no fixed abode but from the Preston area, was handed a 14-year extended sentence at Mold Crown Court on Friday, 21 August 2026, after admitting CSA and online grooming offences against two young girls.
The court heard that in 2022, Sands—then aged 29—contacted a 13-year-old girl via an online video game platform, claiming he was aged 16. After the victim refused to disclose her address or social media handles, Sands tracked her location to the Pwllheli area. He approached the victim on a public bench, pushed her friend away, and subjected the child to an assault by penetration.
A linked investigation by Lancashire Police established that Sands also targeted an 8-year-old child in the Leicestershire area, engaging in online grooming and attempting to meet the child.
Appearing before Mold Crown Court, Sands pleaded guilty to:
- One count of meeting a child following sexual grooming
- One count of assault of a child by penetration
- One count of attempting to meet a child following grooming
On 21 August 2026, the judge sentenced Sands to ten years’ imprisonment with an extended licence period of four years. The court also imposed:
- Lifetime restraining orders protecting both victims
- A 12-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)
- Lifetime notification on the Sex Offenders Register
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