Anna Rowe

I am a strong believer in falsely obtained consent is not consent. The CPS and the Courts are not tough enough on this point but as you say the law does, in theory, already cover it. I see that as going beyond Catfishing though.

It absolutely does go beyond Catfishing. This is just a name given to people who hide behind a fake ID to commit crimes that use romance to initiate that crime. My petition was started due to police claiming this was not covered under consent. My lawyers disagree.

Where do you draw the line though? Almost everyone lies or exaggerates about some aspect of themselves during conversation with potential partners...

Which is why I said potentially. I do not have the full facts of this case but certainly I have seen cases where there was a deceit used to obtain consent that went beyond the "little white lie"

Yes little white lies are the passive lying I discussed. Height, weight, eye colour etc.. I also find those that make mention of financial situation, shallow. But intent for a ‘union’/marital status is active lying that has harmful consequence. It’s adult paedophilia in his case

In that I’m meaning the behaviour of paedophiles but used with adults.. the grooming for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Where does ordinary romancing & "chatting up" end and "grooming" begin???

It's a tough call at times and there is a definite generational thing. My mother believes that a woman who gets too drunk only has herself to blame whereas now we have a different view morally and legally. Each case has to be taken on its merits and the information available