The parents of a 15-year-old boy who was groomed online by a middle-aged couple have admitted they rarely praised him, a court has heard. Vincent, whose surname cannot be published for legal reasons, was targeted by Mark and Susan Turner, both 47, over a period of eight months.
The couple, from Liverpool, posed as a younger man and woman on social media, gradually winning the teenager’s trust and then manipulating him into sending explicit images. The abuse escalated to the point where Vincent was persuaded to meet them in person. He was found by police at their flat, disoriented and distressed.
During sentencing at Manchester Crown Court, the prosecution read a statement from Vincent’s mother. “We love him but we never said it. We praised his sister constantly but he got nothing. He was a quiet boy and we thought he was fine. We did not see what was happening.”
Dr. Fiona Marsh, a child psychologist who testified in the case, said withholding praise can leave adolescents vulnerable. “Children who do not receive affirmation at home may seek it elsewhere. Predators exploit this need. They fill a void left by neglect, even if that neglect was not malicious.”
In an interview after the hearing, Vincent’s father expressed regret. “We thought criticism would make him stronger. We were wrong. We told him off for small things. We did not encourage him. And now this.”
The Turner couple pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual communication with a child and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. They were sentenced to 12 years each. The judge, Lady Justice Thornton, described their actions as “a calculated and predatory campaign” and noted that they had researched methods of grooming online before targeting Vincent.
The case has renewed debate about parental responsibility in the digital age. The NSPCC has called for more resources to help parents identify signs of online grooming, which often include secrecy, mood swings, and a sudden reluctance to discuss online activity.
Vincent is now receiving therapy. His parents are attending parenting classes. Social services are monitoring the family. Vincent’s mother said: “If we had just told him he was good enough, maybe he would not have needed their fake kindness.”
