DAVID JOWITT FROM DAWLISH CAUGHT IN BRISTOL CHILD SEX PLOT

In August 2021, a disturbing case unfolded involving David Jowitt, a resident of Dawlish, who was implicated in a serious online child exploitation scheme that spanned across different locations, including Bristol. The incident came to light when Jowitt, aged 35 and a father of one, engaged in online conversations with what he believed was a 12-year-old girl. However, the girl was actually an undercover police officer operating in Bristol, part of an ongoing effort to combat online child abuse.

Jowitt had arranged to meet the girl in a wooded area near an Asda supermarket in Whitchurch, Bristol, with the intent of engaging in sexual activity. The court was informed that the conversations took place over a period, during which Jowitt expressed his willingness and readiness to commit such acts, despite the fact that the girl was an officer posing as a minor. His actions demonstrated a clear intent to exploit a child, which led to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.

Further investigations revealed that Jowitt had communicated with other children online, all of whom were also police decoys. These interactions raised serious concerns about his intentions and previous conduct. During the police examination of his electronic devices, authorities uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent images of children. Thirteen of these images were classified as being in the highest harm category, indicating their severe nature and potential impact.

Jowitt faced multiple charges, including arranging or facilitating a child sex offence. He admitted to these charges in court. Additionally, he requested that five other offences be considered, notably possessing a small number of child abuse images across various categories of concern. The evidence presented painted a troubling picture of his online activities and intentions.

Judge Julian Lambert sentenced Jowitt to two and a half years in prison. In his remarks, the judge emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “There was no child to abuse but you were ready to do so and you were willing and if there had been a child you would have been able to do so.” The court also imposed a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits Jowitt from unrestricted internet use, and mandated that he sign the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. Additionally, authorities confiscated two mobile phones used by Jowitt during his online activities.

Prosecutor Euan Callaghan highlighted the thorough police investigation, noting that devices seized from Jowitt revealed chats with what appeared to be a boy and two girls, all estimated to be around 13 years old. The police also discovered a collection of indecent images of children, with 13 classified as being in the highest harm category, underscoring the severity of his online misconduct. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predators.