JAMES DODD FROM CHESTERFIELD AND HUCKNALL SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF UNDERAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Chesterfield and Hucknall, James Dodd, aged 42, has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple serious charges involving the grooming and sexual abuse of a teenage girl. Dodd, who was the commanding officer of the 1803 (Hucknall) Air Training Corps (ATC) squadron, a well-respected youth organization based off Watnall Road in Hucknall, was found to have engaged in inappropriate and criminal conduct with a minor, dating back to 2006.

During the proceedings at Nottingham Crown Court, it was revealed that Dodd had exploited his position of trust and authority to manipulate a young girl, who at the time was under the age of consent. The court heard that Dodd used the girl as an emotional support during a turbulent period in his personal life, specifically when his marriage was experiencing difficulties. His actions, which included sexual acts and touching, were committed over a period of time, and Dodd ultimately pleaded guilty to five separate offences related to these acts.

Judge Joan Butler, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Dodd’s betrayal of trust. She stated, “You took advantage of her. She was young, and she fell in love with you. It is very sad. You told her to keep quiet. It was a breach of trust.” The judge also highlighted the emotional manipulation involved, noting that Dodd’s conduct was deeply damaging.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, sat in court to hear the verdict. Her distress was evident as the judge addressed Dodd directly. The prosecution, led by Tina Dempster, detailed the progression of their relationship, which began with friendly exchanges and escalated into flirtatious text messages. These messages eventually developed into a sexual relationship, including kissing, touching, and oral sex in Dodd’s car. Dempster explained that the girl lost her virginity to Dodd and that she was not forced at any point, believing the relationship was consensual and that Dodd’s marriage would soon end.

However, the relationship soured when the girl, upon turning 18, discovered via Facebook that Dodd was involved with another woman after his marriage had ended. This revelation caused her to feel betrayed and devastated. The investigation into Dodd’s conduct was initiated after a mother filed a complaint with police regarding text messages sent to her daughter. Although initially no charges were brought, police later seized Dodd’s computer and phone, uncovering incriminating images and evidence of grooming.

In her personal statement, the girl described the police investigation as ‘a nightmare,’ expressing her feelings of despair and betrayal. She explained that she had hoped for a different outcome and had not anticipated the extent of Dodd’s manipulative behavior. Her statement underscored the profound impact of his actions on her mental and emotional well-being.

As part of his sentence, Dodd was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and was prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with females under the age of 16. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people and the devastating consequences when trust is broken by those in positions of authority and respect in the community of Hucknall and beyond.