CLIFFORD PEEL FROM FELIXSTOWE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN IPSWICH

In October 2018, Clifford Peel, a 56-year-old resident of High Road West in Felixstowe, was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of attempting to arrange a sexual encounter with an 11-year-old girl. The case stemmed from a covert police operation where an officer, posing as a 32-year-old mother named “Tracey,” engaged Peel in an online chat room as part of an undercover sting operation.

During the course of the conversations, which took place over several days, Peel made increasingly explicit and sexual comments about “Tracey” and her supposed daughter. The officer testified that Peel explicitly expressed his desire to have sex with the child, asking about her physical development and sending a photograph of himself in his underpants, which he wanted to be shown to the girl. The court heard that Peel’s comments grew more sexualized as the chats progressed, indicating a clear intent to commit a child sex offence.

Following Peel’s arrest, authorities discovered disturbing material on his computer, including an indecent film of a child and two extreme pornographic images. Peel admitted to attempting to facilitate the rape of a child under 13, between June 13 and June 16 of the previous year. He also confessed to making an indecent film of a child and possessing extreme pornographic images.

Judge Rupert Overbury, presiding over the case, sentenced Peel to two years in prison. The judge noted that Peel appeared to be in denial about his sexual interests in children, based on his statements to a probation officer. Although Peel had expressed a desire to have sex with the girl, the judge clarified that no actual physical contact or offence had occurred.

In addition to the prison sentence, Peel was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and was ordered to register as a sex offender. Both orders will be in effect for ten years. The judge emphasized the seriousness of Peel’s actions and the need for ongoing monitoring and protection of the public.

Paul Donegan, Peel’s defense lawyer, described the online chat as “clumsy and far from sophisticated,” suggesting that Peel’s interest was initially directed towards the girl’s mother rather than the child herself. The case highlights the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat such crimes.

Earlier in September 2018, Peel appeared before Ipswich Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing. He admitted to attempting to facilitate a child sex offence, making an indecent image of a child, and possessing extreme pornographic material. The court agreed to adjourn sentencing for three weeks to allow for a comprehensive pre-sentence report and to consider a sexual harm prevention order, which was prepared for the next hearing. Peel’s case underscores the ongoing threat of online child exploitation and the legal measures taken to address it.