JAMES BURNETT FROM RUTHIN SENTENCED FOR GROOMING TEEN ON GAY WEBSITE IN NORTH WALES
| Red Rose Database
Ruthin Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers lurking on the internet, James Robert Burnett, a resident of Ruthin, North Wales, has been sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in grooming and sexually abusing a teenage boy. The case, which unfolded in 2009, revealed a troubling pattern of predatory behavior facilitated through online platforms.
Burnett, aged 28 at the time, was found guilty of five counts of sexual abuse against the young victim, who was only 14 years old. The abuse occurred on two separate occasions, with the initial grooming beginning after Burnett established contact with the boy on a gay networking website. Despite the boy explicitly stating his age, Burnett continued to communicate with him, claiming he was 19 years old. This deception allowed him to maintain contact and build a relationship that eventually led to physical abuse.
The relationship between Burnett and the teenager escalated when they arranged to meet in person. Their first meeting took place at Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton, where Burnett traveled from Ruthin to meet the boy. Following this, Burnett drove the teenager to Rivington in Lancashire, where he disclosed his true age and committed the initial act of abuse. The following week, Burnett arranged to meet the boy again, this time in a hotel, where he sexually assaulted him multiple times.
The victim’s mother played a crucial role in bringing Burnett to justice. After the boy returned home, she discovered a text message on his mobile phone from Burnett, in which he claimed to have “rushed him.” This discovery prompted her to contact the police, leading to a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities.
Detective Constable Mike Cooke from the Public Protection Investigation Unit issued a warning to parents about the risks associated with children’s use of the internet. He emphasized that Burnett was fully aware of the boy’s age but chose to ignore this fact, continuing to contact, meet, and abuse him for his own sexual gratification. Cooke condemned Burnett’s actions, stating, “He is a lot older and clearly took advantage of a potentially confused youngster for his own sexual gratification.”
He further praised the vigilance of the victim’s mother, whose attentiveness was instrumental in ensuring Burnett’s arrest and subsequent prosecution. The detective urged parents to be cautious and monitor their children’s online activities, especially given the widespread use of chatrooms among young people.
Burnett appeared at Bolton Crown Court on May 18, where he admitted to two counts of meeting a child after sexual grooming and five counts of sexual activity with a child. His sentencing reflects the serious nature of his crimes and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators operating within North Wales and beyond.
Burnett, aged 28 at the time, was found guilty of five counts of sexual abuse against the young victim, who was only 14 years old. The abuse occurred on two separate occasions, with the initial grooming beginning after Burnett established contact with the boy on a gay networking website. Despite the boy explicitly stating his age, Burnett continued to communicate with him, claiming he was 19 years old. This deception allowed him to maintain contact and build a relationship that eventually led to physical abuse.
The relationship between Burnett and the teenager escalated when they arranged to meet in person. Their first meeting took place at Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton, where Burnett traveled from Ruthin to meet the boy. Following this, Burnett drove the teenager to Rivington in Lancashire, where he disclosed his true age and committed the initial act of abuse. The following week, Burnett arranged to meet the boy again, this time in a hotel, where he sexually assaulted him multiple times.
The victim’s mother played a crucial role in bringing Burnett to justice. After the boy returned home, she discovered a text message on his mobile phone from Burnett, in which he claimed to have “rushed him.” This discovery prompted her to contact the police, leading to a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities.
Detective Constable Mike Cooke from the Public Protection Investigation Unit issued a warning to parents about the risks associated with children’s use of the internet. He emphasized that Burnett was fully aware of the boy’s age but chose to ignore this fact, continuing to contact, meet, and abuse him for his own sexual gratification. Cooke condemned Burnett’s actions, stating, “He is a lot older and clearly took advantage of a potentially confused youngster for his own sexual gratification.”
He further praised the vigilance of the victim’s mother, whose attentiveness was instrumental in ensuring Burnett’s arrest and subsequent prosecution. The detective urged parents to be cautious and monitor their children’s online activities, especially given the widespread use of chatrooms among young people.
Burnett appeared at Bolton Crown Court on May 18, where he admitted to two counts of meeting a child after sexual grooming and five counts of sexual activity with a child. His sentencing reflects the serious nature of his crimes and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators operating within North Wales and beyond.