HASTINGS MAN JAMES HAMLING SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING MINOR

In a case that has shocked the community of Hastings, James Hamling, a 25-year-old resident of Elphinstone Avenue, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving a young girl. The court heard that Hamling engaged in calculated and deliberate acts of abuse, which included grooming the victim online and sending text messages that revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

During the proceedings at Brighton Crown Court, the victim bravely read a statement describing the profound emotional and psychological impact of Hamling’s actions. She explained that since the incident, her mental health had deteriorated significantly, leaving her feeling anxious and depressed. She expressed her fears about Hamling’s whereabouts, revealing how her sense of safety had been compromised by his actions.

The court was informed that Hamling initially made contact with the young girl through Facebook, where he engaged in grooming over an extended period. His goal was to manipulate her into meeting him for sexual purposes, exploiting her vulnerability for his own gratification. The prosecution highlighted that Hamling’s behavior was not isolated but part of a pattern of calculated misconduct.

Judge Jeremy Gold QC addressed Hamling directly, condemning his actions as a gross violation of trust and a serious breach of the law. He stated, “You contacted her online. You groomed her for sex. This is sexual abuse of a minor. It is aggravated by the worrying text messages.” The judge also revealed that Hamling had communicated with another man about his crimes, with Prosecutor Rachel Beckett QC describing their exchanges as “egging each other on,” which added an aggravating factor to the case.

Judge Gold emphasized the disturbing nature of Hamling’s conduct, noting, “That is a significant aggravating feature. You obviously had a common interest between the two of you in underage sex. You are glorifying in the conquest of an underage girl. The texts indicate that this was calculated, deliberate behavior on your part.”

Hamling had previously pleaded guilty to five charges, including meeting a child following sexual grooming, taking indecent photographs of a child, two counts of possession of indecent photographs, and possessing an extreme pornographic image. However, during the trial, he was found guilty of additional charges of sexual activity with a minor.

In sentencing, Judge Gold described Hamling’s actions as deeply troubling and sentenced him to eight years in prison. Additionally, Hamling is required to register as a sex offender, and all computer equipment seized from him by police will be destroyed. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the importance of protecting minors from such predatory behavior.