In 2014, the Offender Database reported that Sydney Topping, then 26, of Lodge Road, Widnes, Cheshire, was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment. On 9 May 2014, Topping appeared at Burnley Crown Court for the “vicious” grooming, abduction, and “serious” sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl from Burnley, Lancashire.
The investigation established that Topping targeted the “vulnerable” victim through a PlayStation interactive game and Facebook. Despite the girl making her age clear and disclosing her mental health issues, Topping groomed her with “serious” planning. He eventually abducted the teenager, who disposed of her school uniform in a recycling bin before travelling to Widnes to be with him. The prosecution reported that Topping engaged in multiple sex acts with the child in sports fields and at various houses in Cheshire.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
Judge Jonathan Gibson emphasised that Topping’s conduct displayed a “concerning element of predatory behaviour.” The court reported that Topping was a “persistent” offender, having received a caution in 2010 for similar “vile” activity with another child. Despite claiming he believed the victim was 16, the judge emphasised that Topping knew she was still attending school. The prosecution emphasised that Topping had “viciously” ignored his previous notification requirements, showing a “serious” disregard for public safety.
The judge emphasised that the “vile” grooming process involved telling the child he loved her to facilitate the “abhorrent” sexual encounters. While the defence argued that Topping had limited social skills and was “immature,” the court found the degree of planning involved to be “significant.” For his crimes in Widnes and Burnley, the court determined that Topping represents a “serious” risk to young females and required an indefinite restrictive order.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Cheshire and Lancashire, Sydney Topping was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Five years in immediate custody.
- SOPO: A Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed to monitor his internet use.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for an indefinite period.
- Convictions: Admitted to meeting a child following sexual grooming, abduction, and three counts of sexual activity with a child.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Topping was managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Cheshire Constabulary. His history of “persistent” grooming and the “vile” abduction of a “troubled” schoolgirl meant his status remained under “stringent” scrutiny by authorities in Widnes.
As an indefinite member of the Sex Offenders Register, Topping was required to comply with notification requirements regarding his residence in Widnes, Cheshire. Authorities state that his SOPO, which banned unsupervised contact with any female under 16, was a “critical” tool for public protection. Any breach of his registration conditions, his SOPO, or his licence terms following his release from prison would have resulted in his immediate return to Burnley Crown Court.
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 reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.