JAMES HAMLING FROM HASTINGS SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Hastings, James Hamling, a 25-year-old man, was sentenced to a significant prison term after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a young girl he met online. The court heard that Hamling had developed an unhealthy obsession with underage girls, which he openly expressed through messages and actions that demonstrated a disturbing fixation on the idea of sexual conquest.

According to court records, Hamling initiated contact with the 13-year-old girl via the internet, where he engaged in grooming behaviors designed to manipulate and exploit her. The grooming process culminated in Hamling inviting the girl to his caravan in Hastings, where he carried out the sexual act. The incident took place in 2015, and the court was told that Hamling recorded himself during the encounter, further evidencing his predatory behavior.

Prosecutor Rachel Beckett revealed that Hamling’s criminal activities extended beyond the initial offense. Even after his arrest, he continued to download and possess indecent images of children, including extreme pornography, which added to the severity of his sentencing. The court also heard a statement from the victim, who expressed her profound emotional distress, stating, “My mental health has not been great, I ended up feeling depressed for quite a while, I didn’t want to be here.” Her words underscored the lasting impact of Hamling’s actions on her well-being.

Hamling, who resides on Elphinstone Avenue in Hastings, appeared at Brighton Crown Court via a live video link from Lewes Prison. During the proceedings, he appeared relaxed, resting his arm on a spare chair and twiddling his fingers, a demeanor that contrasted sharply with the gravity of his crimes.

Judge Jeremy Gold QC delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing the disturbing nature of Hamling’s conduct. He stated, “The messages were somewhere between having an interest and an obsession with having sex with underage girls. You contacted her online, groomed her for sex, and took her back to your caravan after meeting her. Then you took a number of intimate photographs of her. You were 22, she was 13. This is sexual abuse of a minor.”

The judge further condemned Hamling’s actions, highlighting the clear evidence of his intent to exploit the young girl for sexual gratification. As a result, Hamling was sentenced to eight years in prison for sexual activity with a child. Additionally, he received concurrent sentences of 16 months for meeting a child following grooming and one year for possessing indecent photographs of her. Hamling’s actions have not only led to his incarceration but also deprived him of witnessing the upcoming birth of his second child, due in August, marking a tragic consequence of his criminal behavior.