A man from Preston has walked free from court after receiving a suspended prison sentence for grooming and sending sexually explicit communications to a 13-year-old schoolgirl.
Joseph Beaven, of Preston, appeared for sentencing at Lancaster Courthouse on Friday 23 October 2026 following an inquiry into online child exploitation conducted by Lancashire Police.
The prosecution detailed that Beaven initiated contact with the 13-year-old victim via social media platforms. Beaven engaged in sexually explicit messaging with the child, pursuing the interactions for his own personal sexual gratification despite having full knowledge of her age. The victim was an actual child, rather than an undercover law enforcement officer or an adult decoy posing online.
The investigation and subsequent judicial process spanned two years before finally reaching a sentencing conclusion. Beaven formally entered a guilty plea to a charge of sexual communication with a child.
The court heard details regarding Beaven’s background, noting that he maintains links across Preston, Blackpool, and the Fylde coast. His prior employment history includes working in numerous public houses in the Preston area, including a previous management position at the Withy Arms in Bamber Bridge.
Following the sentencing, representatives speaking on behalf of the victim’s family conveyed relief that the protracted two-year legal process had ended, but expressed profound disappointment that the court chose not to impose an immediate custodial sentence for the offences committed against their daughter.
Safeguarding professionals emphasize that the psychological harm caused by online grooming can be severe and long-lasting, frequently causing anxiety, emotional distress, diminished self-confidence, and long-term difficulties in establishing trust, irrespective of whether physical contact occurred.
Passing sentence, the judge handed Beaven a suspended prison sentence, permitting him to leave the court without serving immediate time in custody.
To manage future risk, the court imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which places strict legal limitations on his internet usage, ownership of digital devices, and interactions with young people. Beaven was also ordered to comply with notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of 10 years and was barred from engaging in regulated work with children or vulnerable individuals.
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
For the latest updates and offender details, follow us on the Offender Database Facebook Page. If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on how to report a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.