JAMES DARKER FROM ROTHERHAM AVOIDS JAIL AFTER GROOMING PLOT AND INTERNET HISTORY DELETION
In a case that has once again highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding online grooming and the behavior of convicted sex offenders, James Darker, aged 37, from Rotherham, narrowly avoided immediate imprisonment after deleting his internet browsing history, which contained pornographic material.The incident occurred in January and February of 2021, when Darker took steps to erase evidence from his mobile device, citing feelings of shame as his motivation.
Despite this attempt to conceal his activities, authorities issued a stern warning that any future attempts to delete or hide such data would result in a jail sentence.
Prosecutor Ms.
Tayo Dasaolu provided context by revealing that Darker had previously been subjected to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) in April 2019.
This order was issued following his conviction at Manchester Crown Court for attempting to meet a girl under the age of 16 after grooming her online, as well as engaging in sexual communication with a minor.
As part of his sentence, Darker received a two-year prison term, suspended for two years, and was explicitly prohibited from deleting his internet history under the terms of the SHPO.
Back in April 2019, Darker’s criminal activities came to light when he was caught by a paedophile hunting team.
The team, operating under the name SGTI – Safeguarding The Innocent, uncovered his attempts to groom a 13-year-old girl through online interactions.
Darker, then 36 and residing in Oldham, had believed he was communicating with a minor, but in reality, he was speaking to an adult member of the hunting team.
The court heard that from December 2018 through March 2019, Darker persistently sent sexually explicit messages and images to the fake profile, even writing love poetry in an effort to deepen the grooming process.
He also expressed his desire to meet the girl for sexual activity, promising gifts such as a necklace and a watch to lure her.
One particularly disturbing message included Darker stating, “If I finger you, and you don’t like it, then I will stop,” to which he responded to the girl’s confusion by explaining, “I would put my finger in your vagina and tickle your clit, but don’t worry it don’t hurt at all.
Most girls love it, well actually every girl likes it cause it turns them on.” He arranged to meet the girl at Rochdale tram station on February 9th, 2019.
On the day of the supposed meeting, Darker waited at the location, unaware that the girl was a decoy operated by the paedophile hunting team.
The team had coordinated with another group, North West Hebephile Hunters, who were present at the scene.
When Darker arrived, the team approached him, identified themselves, and questioned him about his online activities.
They informed him that he would be arrested, which led to his detention and subsequent questioning by police.
Following his arrest, Darker was released on bail but soon breached his conditions, resulting in his remand to prison until his sentencing on April 1st.
During the court proceedings, he pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child under 16 following sexual grooming and to engaging in sexual communication with a minor.
The judge sentenced him to 18 months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for 24 months.
Additionally, a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed, requiring Darker to register as a sex offender for a decade.
This case underscores the persistent dangers posed by individuals like Darker, who continue to pose a threat to minors despite previous convictions and legal restrictions.
