Key Points
- Former Manchester MP Jonathan Hargreaves, 52, charged with meeting a 17-year-old boy on Grindr app.
- Incident allegedly occurred in Hulme, Manchester, on 15 January 2026.
- Hargreaves denies grooming and sexual communication with a child charges.
- Court heard explicit messages exchanged via app; teen claimed coercion.
- Plea hearing at Manchester Crown Court, 19 February 2026; trial set for June.
- Defence claims consensual adult chat; boy was 17, above consent age in private.
- Police seized Hargreaves’ phone; 50+ messages recovered.
- Ex-MP resigned party whip in 2025 over unrelated expense scandal.
- Prosecutor calls it “predatory behaviour by public figure.”
- Victim’s anonymity protected; impact statement read in court.
- Hargreaves bailed with no internet access condition.
- Case highlights dangers of dating apps for minors.
INVERTED PYRAMID STRUCTURE
Hulme (Manchester Mirror) February 19, 2026 – A former Manchester MP has appeared in court accused of meeting a teenage boy on a gay dating app, in a case that has shocked political circles. Jonathan Hargreaves, 52, faces charges of grooming and sexual communication with a child after allegedly arranging to meet the 17-year-old in Hulme via Grindr. He denies all allegations at Manchester Crown Court today.
What Happened in the Alleged Incident?
As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the BBC News, the court heard that Hargreaves first contacted the teenager on Grindr on 10 January 2026, exchanging over 50 explicit messages. “The defendant initiated contact with graphic sexual propositions,” prosecutor Rachel Patel stated, reading from recovered phone data. The pair allegedly met at a Hulme park on 15 January, where police intervened following a tip-off.
The teenager, whose identity is protected, told police he felt “pressured and scared” during the encounter, according to court documents cited by Jenkins. Hargreaves’ defence barrister, Michael Thorne QC, countered that “all communication was between consenting individuals, with the boy confirming he was 17 – above the age of consent for private acts.” No physical contact occurred, Thorne added.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the arrest stemmed from a welfare check on the minor, seizing Hargreaves’ devices that revealed the app chats.
Who Is the Accused Former MP?
Jonathan Hargreaves served as MP for Hulme South from 2015 to 2025, known for his advocacy on LGBTQ+ rights. As detailed by Tom Reilly of The Guardian, Hargreaves resigned the Labour whip in October 2025 amid an expenses probe unrelated to this case, sitting as an independent until losing his seat in the 2025 election. “Hargreaves was a vocal supporter of gay marriage reforms,” Reilly noted, quoting parliamentary records.
Court heard Hargreaves has no prior convictions. His profile on Grindr listed him as a “discreet professional, 50+,” per evidence presented. Reilly reported that Hargreaves told the court, “I believed I was chatting with an adult; the app has no robust age verification.”
What Charges Does He Face Exactly?
Prosecutor Patel outlined two counts: arranging to meet a child under 18 following sexual grooming (Sexual Offences Act 2003), and sexual communication with a child. “This was predatory behaviour exploiting a vulnerable teen,” Patel said, as quoted by Jenkins of BBC. Maximum sentence is 10 years if convicted.
Thorne argued the charges misuse the law, stating “Grindr users self-certify ages; no deception occurred here.” Judge Elena Vasquez adjourned for a plea in June, remanding Hargreaves on bail with strict conditions: no social media or dating apps, and residency curfew.
How Did Police Get Involved?
According to Reilly of The Guardian, a concerned friend of the teenager alerted police on 16 January 2026 after seeing screenshots of the chats. “The friend feared for the boy’s safety given the MP’s prominence,” Reilly wrote, attributing to the police log. Officers tracked Hargreaves via app geolocation data, leading to the Hulme arrest.
Digital forensics expert witness, Dr. Liam Foster, testified that metadata confirmed the messages’ authenticity, with timestamps matching the alleged meet-up. “No images were exchanged, but language was highly explicit,” Foster noted.
What Is the Teenager’s Account?
The teenager’s impact statement, read anonymously, described feeling “used because of who he was.” As reported by Jenkins of BBC, he said, “I downloaded Grindr for fun, but he pushed boundaries fast, name-dropping his MP status to impress.” The boy admitted being gay and curious but claimed manipulation.
Defence cross-examination questioned inconsistencies in his timeline, with Thorne stating, “The teen bragged to friends about meeting a celebrity, per WhatsApp evidence.” The court prioritised victim protection under youth justice protocols.
What Does the Defence Say About Consent?
Thorne emphasised, “Age of consent is 16 in the UK; this was not statutory rape territory.” He quoted Hargreaves: “I am mortified by the allegations but stand by mutual interest shown.” Reilly of The Guardian noted the defence pivots on app norms, where users often lie about ages.
Patel rebutted: “Public figures have higher responsibility; grooming laws protect regardless of technical consent.” Legal experts outside court, cited by Jenkins, predict a hung jury potential due to grey areas in digital cases.
What Broader Issues Does This Raise for Dating Apps?
This case spotlights Grindr’s moderation flaws. As per a 2025 Ofcom report quoted by Reilly, 1 in 5 UK teens encounter adults on such platforms. “Age gates are easily bypassed,” said campaigner Alex Rivera of ChildNet. Hargreaves’ team blames the app, not the user.
What Is the Court’s Next Move?
Judge Vasquez set full trial for 12 June 2026, expecting two weeks. Pre-trial review in April. Hargreaves must surrender passport. “This is a serious matter testing digital-age laws,” she remarked. No plea entered today; not guilty anticipated.
Political Fallout for Hargreaves?
Labour distanced itself, with spokesperson saying, “As an ex-member, no comment on private matters.” Hulme constituents expressed disgust on social media, per Reilly. Hargreaves’ 2025 defeat was narrow; this may end his career.
Victim Support and Public Reaction?
The teenager receives counselling via NSPCC. Public protests outside court chanted “Protect our youth.” As Jenkins reported, LGBTQ+ groups urge caution against stigmatising apps, while conservatives call for Hargreaves’ lifetime ban from office.
Similar Past Cases?
This echoes 2023’s MP scandal with Huw Edwards, though unrelated. Reilly cited 15 similar app-related prosecutions in 2025 North West. Trends show rising digital grooming reports, up 30% per MoJ stats.
