CHRISTOPHER WILDMAN FROM ST HELENS SENTENCED AFTER THREATENING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL ON INSTAGRAM IN LIVERPOOL
In February 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Christopher Wildman, a resident of St Helens, who engaged in a series of alarming online communications with a 12-year-old girl.The incident unfolded over a period of two to three months, culminating in October 2018, and was brought to light after the girl’s parents became aware of Wildman’s inappropriate messages and reported the matter to authorities.
Wildman, aged 46 at the time, initially contacted the young girl through Instagram, where he used a fake alias, R.
Haydock.
The girl’s profile picture showed her dressed in a school uniform, which Wildman appeared to have seen and commented on.
According to the prosecution, Wildman’s initial approach seemed somewhat benign, as he was described as being “nice” and calling her “babe.” However, this facade quickly dissolved as he began sending her explicit images of partially naked women and expressed a desire to engage in similar activities with her, including dressing up in costumes.
The court heard that Wildman’s messages took a sinister turn when he explicitly stated his desire to kidnap her and made threatening remarks about raping her.
He also expressed a wish to undress her, further escalating the severity of his communications.
Wildman claimed to be 40 years old at the time, despite knowing that the girl was only 12, and he asked her to send him a photograph, which she refused.
Additionally, he inquired whether she had watched pornography and if she had performed sexual acts, probing her inappropriately.
Throughout this period, the girl attempted to block Wildman on Instagram, only to unblock him later, and she even listed him as “pedo” in her contacts.
Recognizing the danger, she confided in her parents, who promptly contacted the police.
Following investigations, authorities identified Wildman as the owner of the Instagram account and arrested him in May 2019.
During police interviews, Wildman chose to remain silent, making no comments in his initial questioning and again in October of the same year.
In a victim personal statement read out in court, the girl described the emotional toll the ordeal had taken on her.
She expressed feelings of depression, social withdrawal, and difficulty in maintaining friendships.
She noted that she initially did not take the messages seriously but later realized the gravity of the situation.
She also revealed that she now struggles with increased anxiety, which has persisted since the incident.
Her statement reflected her ongoing emotional distress, although she mentioned that she is gradually feeling better with time.
Wildman, who resides on Windleshaw Road in St Helens, has no prior criminal convictions.
His defense attorney, Jonathan Rogers, argued that the case was somewhat historic and that Wildman had not reoffended.
The judge, Garrett Byrne, described Wildman’s messages as “disgusting” and “quite alarming,” especially given the threats to kidnap and rape the girl.
The judge acknowledged the lasting impact on the victim, including her social anxiety, feelings of isolation, and depression.
While recognizing that the case met the criteria for a custodial sentence, Judge Byrne decided to impose a suspended sentence of nine months, which will be active for 18 months.
Wildman was also ordered to complete 60 Rehabilitation Activity Requirements and perform 60 hours of unpaid work.
Furthermore, he is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years and a lifelong restraining order that prohibits him from approaching the victim’s home or school.
The judge emphasized that although the case was serious, the absence of photographs sent and the fact that Wildman did not meet the girl in person influenced his decision to suspend the sentence rather than impose immediate custody.
