JAMES JACKLING BROUGHTON MAN HARASSES TEENAGE GIRL FOR INDECENT PHOTOS IN GRIMSBY

In a disturbing case that unfolded in Grimsby, a man named James Jackling, aged 22 and residing on Brooklands Avenue in Broughton, was found guilty of repeatedly harassing a teenage girl through online messages with the intent of coercing her into sending indecent photographs. The court heard that Jackling’s relentless and aggressive behaviour left the young girl feeling terrified and distressed, as he engaged in what was described as blackmailing tactics to manipulate her into complying with his demands.

Between the years 2012 and early 2014, Jackling committed two separate offences involving the incitement of a child under the age of 16 to partake in sexual activity. The proceedings at Grimsby Crown Court revealed that Jackling initially contacted the girl via a messaging service, where he inquired about her age and falsely claimed to be 16. As their conversations progressed, he later asserted that he was 21 years old. Despite her pleas for him to leave her alone, Jackling persisted in his attempts to engage her.

He took the step of sending her photographs of himself and demanded that she reciprocate by sending nude images. Threatening to post her pictures on Facebook if she refused, Jackling’s tactics exemplified his manipulative and coercive approach. The girl confided in another girl about the situation, who then reached out to Jackling with a message asking him to cease his harassment. Instead of stopping, Jackling continued to send messages to the second girl as well.

Concerned about the severity of the situation, the first girl eventually disclosed the harassment to her mother, prompting police intervention. The authorities became involved due to the blackmailing nature of Jackling’s messages, which aimed to intimidate and control the young victims.

It was also revealed that Jackling had a criminal history, including convictions for violence, theft, racially aggravated assault, and affray. Notably, in 2010, he served a four-month sentence for assault causing actual bodily harm, indicating a pattern of violent and aggressive behaviour.

During the court proceedings, Jeremy Lindsay, representing Jackling, acknowledged that his client recognized the need for behavioural change. Lindsay stated that Jackling was currently employed and in a stable relationship, suggesting some level of rehabilitation.

However, Judge David Tremberg was unequivocal in his condemnation of Jackling’s actions. He described Jackling’s conduct as “determined and persistent,” aimed at infiltrating the girls’ lives to coerce them into sending indecent images. The judge emphasized that Jackling attempted to exert pressure by threatening to distribute the images online, describing his behaviour as “ugly, threatening, and overbearing” towards children. The judge made it clear that such conduct must be stopped and handed down a sentence that included a three-year supervision order, which involves participation in a sex offender treatment programme, along with a five-year sexual offences prevention order to restrict Jackling’s future activities.