Middlesbrough ‘predator’ who groomed girl, 15, online tried to kill her in street when she got off school bus

A “violent predator” who groomed a 15-year-old girl online has been jailed for trying to murder her in the street.

Ellis Dismore, 24, was sentenced to 43 years in prison at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday for attempted murder and more than 20 other offences against young girls.

Cleveland Police said Dismore, from Middlesbrough, had sent threatening and disturbing voice messages to members of the girl’s family after he had groomed her online.

The knife attack which followed happened in broad daylight in Middlesborough in June 2023.

The teenager was attacked after she got off a school bus and was repeatedly stabbed.

The attempted murder was captured on the dashcam footage of a passing vehicle and a driver stepped in to help save the victim, taking the girl to the safety of her mother.

In November last year, Dismore was convicted of a further 16 offences, related to grooming and stalking girls, which came to light after detectives investigated the attempted murder.

Dismore used fake profiles to pose as a teenager over a period of seven years, officers said.

He then asked his victims to send him indecent images of themselves and threatened to share them if they refused further demands.

Read more from Sky News:
What data says about child sex abuse and grooming gangs
Mum buried phone in cat’s grave to help paedophile son

Speaking outside court, Detective Sergeant Andrew Hamilton praised the bravery of Dismore’s victims.

DS Hamilton said the defendant made “vile threats” towards his victims and sent “sickening voice notes threatening to rape and stab them”.

He said the offending “escalated” when he attacked the 15-year-old with a knife in a “terrifying assault as she went home from school”.

“Dismore is a violent predator and now that he is in prison he can no longer pose a danger to women and girls in our community,” he added.

Rani Govender, an online specialist with children’s charity the NSPCC, said Dismore was a “frightening and highly dangerous individual”.

“The fact he was able to create a teenage profile on social media sites to target girls highlights once again why tech companies must be compelled to make their platforms safe by design for all their young users,” she added.

Children and young people can contact Childline with any concerns on 0800 1111.

Adults worried about a child’s safety can get in touch with the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk.