In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Lewis Plane, then 33, of Prince Philip Road, Colchester, Essex, was sentenced to 6 years’ imprisonment. On Friday, 6 February 2026, Plane appeared at Ipswich Crown Court for sentencing after admitting to multiple offences involving sexual activity with a child and grooming.
The investigation established that Plane targeted the victim on Snapchat in October 2023. Using a fake profile, he claimed to be 17 years old and sent sexual messages and videos. The contact moved to WhatsApp after Plane claimed his profile was being shut down. Within weeks, the two arranged meetings in Clacton and Colchester, which continued regularly until the spring of 2025. The victim believed she was in a relationship with the defendant. Essex Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) team identified the victim through a separate investigation.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Plane initially denied the offences but changed his plea to guilty at the start of his trial in December. During police interviews, he provided no answers to questions. The judge noted that the contact involved grooming on social media and coercive behaviour. The prosecution stated that the CSE team conducted work to secure the evidence required for the charges.
The judge noted that the sentence reflects the nature of the contact and the meetings held in Essex. For his actions in Colchester and Clacton, the court determined that a custodial term was required. The prosecution noted that the victim was able to confirm the events following enquiries by officers.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Lewis Plane was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Six years in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- SHPO: A lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
- Restraining Order: An indefinite restraining order.
- Convictions: Three counts of sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, sexual communication with a child, and controlling or coercive behaviour.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Plane is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Essex Police and the Probation Service. Due to the nature of the grooming and sexual offences in Colchester and Clacton, his management is subject to oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Plane must comply with notification requirements regarding his residence in Prince Philip Road, Colchester, Essex. Authorities state that the lifetime SHPO and indefinite restraining order will restrict his conduct. Any breach of his registration conditions, SHPO, or restraining order will result in arrest and a return to Ipswich Crown Court.
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