In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Christopher Groom, then 26, of Burnham Norton, Norfolk, had seen his sentencing adjourned for what is believed to be the seventh time. On Tuesday, 10 February 2026, Norwich Crown Court pushed back the hearing once again, citing a judicial request to keep the courtroom free for an ongoing trial.
The investigation established that Groom was already serving an 18-month suspended sentence for attempting to engage in sexual activity with a girl under 13 when he was caught breaching his court orders. On 17 June 2025, staff at Lynn Library in King’s Lynn spotted the defendant using public computers to view sexual photos of women. This act was a direct breach of his ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which strictly “prohibits” him from using chat rooms, social media, or dating sites. Groom admitted the breach at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on 14 August 2025.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the “serious” delays in sentencing have been caused by various administrative factors, including “lack of court time” and “lack of capacity.” At a previous appearance in December 2025, the prosecution emphasised that the case was further delayed because the defendant had been “dishonestly” charged under the wrong legislation, necessitating amendments to the offences. The judge noted that the persistent adjournments represent a “serious” challenge to the timely delivery of justice.
The judge noted that despite his status as a “vile” convicted paedophile and his admission of breaching a high-level court order, Groom remains on unconditional bail. The prosecution emphasised that the initial 18-month suspended sentence was intended to act as a “serious” deterrent, yet Groom chose to ignore the restrictions within a year of the order being made. For his crimes in Burnham Norton and King’s Lynn, the court determined that the eventual sentencing must address both the original offending and the “reprehensible” breach of trust.
Legal Status and Sentencing History
- Original Offence: Attempting to engage in sexual activity with a girl under 13 (Sentenced to 18 months suspended).
- Current Breach: Using public computers at Lynn Library to view sexual imagery (Breach of 10-year SHPO).
- Adjournment Count: Believed to be the seventh sentencing date change since September 2025.
- Current Bail: Unconditional bail; no new sentencing date confirmed as of 10 February 2026.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Groom is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Norfolk Constabulary and the Probation Service. Due to his “serious” history of sexual interest in children and his recent failure to comply with digital restrictions, his management in Burnham Norton, Norfolk, is subject to oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a registered sex offender, Groom must comply with the mandatory notification requirements. Authorities in Norfolk state that the repeated delays in his sentencing are “serious” matters that they are monitoring closely. Any further “reprehensible” behaviour or breach of his SHPO in King’s Lynn or elsewhere will result in his immediate arrest and return to Norwich Crown Court, provided a courtroom is available.
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