JAMES HUNTER FROM HARTLEPOOL AND STOKESLEY JAILED FOR SEX OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Hartlepool and Stokesley, James Hunter, a 49-year-old former police officer, has been sentenced to prison for serious sexual offenses involving a teenage girl. The court heard that Hunter, who once served as a beat officer in Stokesley, engaged in a disturbing series of actions that culminated in his imprisonment for two and a half years.

According to the proceedings at Teesside Crown Court, Hunter initiated contact with a 14-year-old girl through an online teenage chatroom. During their digital exchanges, Hunter filmed himself performing sexual acts while the girl watched, an act that was both illegal and deeply troubling. The two exchanged mobile phone numbers and arranged to meet in Darlington on the evening of January 13 of the previous year.

On that evening, Hunter drove the girl to a secluded lay-by, where he proceeded to grope and fondle her, actions that constitute sexual assault. After the incident, he drove her back home. The girl later confided in a teacher about what had transpired, prompting an investigation that uncovered Hunter’s criminal behavior.

Further police searches of Hunter’s property revealed a disturbing collection of indecent images of children stored on his computer. These findings added to the severity of his charges, which included causing a child to watch a sexual act, engaging in sexual activity with a minor, and making multiple indecent pseudo-photographs of a child—totaling 15 counts.

Hunter, who had been married for 26 years and was a father of two sons, admitted to the charges at an earlier hearing. His defense argued that he had an unblemished police record and was experiencing marital difficulties at the time of the offenses. They also noted that Hunter had recently moved to Hartlepool and sought companionship online, which they suggested was a factor in his behavior.

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds emphasized the gravity of Hunter’s actions, especially given his former role as a police officer. The court was told that Hunter falsely claimed to be a 45-year-old engineer from Teesside during his online interactions with the girl.

Judge George Moorhouse, who delivered the sentence, condemned Hunter’s conduct in no uncertain terms. He described Hunter as an “evil and deviant man” who exploited a vulnerable young girl. The judge highlighted the long-lasting impact such behavior can have on victims and their families, emphasizing that Hunter’s actions had caused significant emotional harm.

In addition to his prison sentence, Hunter was banned from working with children for life and is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. The judge also pointed out the personal consequences Hunter faced, including the loss of his job, his wife, and contact with his children, as a result of his misconduct.

Judge Moorhouse concluded with a stern warning, underscoring the seriousness of communicating with minors and arranging meetings, and making it clear that such behavior is met with severe legal consequences. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the responsibilities held by those in positions of authority and trust.