JAMES BRETHERTON'S SHAMEFUL CRIME IN MILDENHALL: AIR CADET SERGEANT'S ONLINE SEX OFFENSES REVEALED
| Red Rose Database
Mildenhall Child Sexual Abuser
In December 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving James Bretherton, an air cadet sergeant from Mildenhall, who was found guilty of engaging in heinous sexual misconduct involving a young girl. The incident came to light after Bretherton exploited a 13-year-old girl through online communication, specifically via FaceTime, a popular video calling service.
Bretherton, who was 19 years old at the time of his arrest and was associated with a Merseyside Air Training Corps squadron, used digital platforms to manipulate and abuse the minor. The court proceedings revealed that he performed sexual acts during FaceTime calls with the girl and persuaded her to do the same, an act that constitutes serious criminal behavior. The charges also included encouraging the girl to send explicit images of herself, further highlighting the extent of his exploitation.
During the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Bretherton, who was visibly distressed, sobbed in the dock as he admitted to the charges. The court noted that he was 17 at the time of the offenses, and he appeared visibly remorseful, hiding from cameras as he left the court building on bail pending sentencing. The details of some of the acts he committed are so graphic that they could not be published in the local newspaper, underscoring the severity of his crimes.
Bretherton pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, specifically through the use of FaceTime. Additionally, he admitted to inciting the girl to engage in sexual activity, including requesting explicit images from her. The court also heard that he caused or incited the girl to perform sexual acts, with some of the details being too extreme to disclose publicly. These admissions were made during the hearing, and Bretherton was overcome with emotion, crying as he acknowledged his guilt.
Supporters in the courtroom included his parents, who were present in the public gallery. Bretherton, described as having short brown hair and wearing a blue suit, appeared remorseful. The prosecution, led by Sarah Holt, emphasized the impact on the victim, who was left feeling guilty and believing she had disappointed her family.
In his defense, Michael O’Brien presented numerous character references, highlighting that Bretherton had no prior convictions. The court was informed that he had achieved a bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, was a trained first aider, and had served as a Young Lord Mayor, indicating a history of positive community involvement.
Ultimately, Judge Louise Brandon sentenced Bretherton to two years and three months in a young offenders institution. She also ordered him to register as a sex offender and to adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the next ten years, aiming to prevent any future offenses and protect potential victims.
Bretherton, who was 19 years old at the time of his arrest and was associated with a Merseyside Air Training Corps squadron, used digital platforms to manipulate and abuse the minor. The court proceedings revealed that he performed sexual acts during FaceTime calls with the girl and persuaded her to do the same, an act that constitutes serious criminal behavior. The charges also included encouraging the girl to send explicit images of herself, further highlighting the extent of his exploitation.
During the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Bretherton, who was visibly distressed, sobbed in the dock as he admitted to the charges. The court noted that he was 17 at the time of the offenses, and he appeared visibly remorseful, hiding from cameras as he left the court building on bail pending sentencing. The details of some of the acts he committed are so graphic that they could not be published in the local newspaper, underscoring the severity of his crimes.
Bretherton pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, specifically through the use of FaceTime. Additionally, he admitted to inciting the girl to engage in sexual activity, including requesting explicit images from her. The court also heard that he caused or incited the girl to perform sexual acts, with some of the details being too extreme to disclose publicly. These admissions were made during the hearing, and Bretherton was overcome with emotion, crying as he acknowledged his guilt.
Supporters in the courtroom included his parents, who were present in the public gallery. Bretherton, described as having short brown hair and wearing a blue suit, appeared remorseful. The prosecution, led by Sarah Holt, emphasized the impact on the victim, who was left feeling guilty and believing she had disappointed her family.
In his defense, Michael O’Brien presented numerous character references, highlighting that Bretherton had no prior convictions. The court was informed that he had achieved a bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, was a trained first aider, and had served as a Young Lord Mayor, indicating a history of positive community involvement.
Ultimately, Judge Louise Brandon sentenced Bretherton to two years and three months in a young offenders institution. She also ordered him to register as a sex offender and to adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the next ten years, aiming to prevent any future offenses and protect potential victims.