JAMES KING AND SHOCKING SEX OFFENCES IN LANCASTER AND BURNLEY
James Lorenzo King, a 48-year-old man with no fixed address, has been found guilty of multiple serious charges involving indecent assault and gross indecency.The conviction comes after a lengthy legal process, and the court has determined that his nine-year prison sentence will only commence after he has completed a separate 13-year sentence imposed at Leeds Crown Court in 2019 for similar offences.
The case was heard at Preston Crown Court, where the severity of King’s actions was detailed by Lorraine Widdas of East CID.
She described King as a dangerous individual with a disturbing sexual interest in young girls.
According to Widdas, King engaged in grooming behaviors with his victim, creating the false impression that they were in a romantic relationship, which he exploited to take advantage of her innocence.
The victim, who was only 14 years old at the time, was targeted by King through online grooming.
He boasted about having previously been involved in a relationship with a girl of the same age, which he used to manipulate her.
At the time, King was 28 years old and residing in Scarborough.
His predatory behavior included picking her up from school and taking her to secluded locations in Darwen and Burnley, where he engaged in sexual activities with her inside his car, despite knowing she was underage.
King’s misconduct extended beyond these encounters.
He would also drive the victim back to Scarborough after their meetings.
Despite her protests and telling him to stop, he continued to have sex with her, showing a blatant disregard for her consent and well-being.
The victim was subjected to further abuse when King ordered her to have sex with his friends.
When she refused, he reacted with anger and violence, once holding a knife to her throat in a threatening manner.
This case highlights the disturbing pattern of grooming, manipulation, and abuse carried out by King, and underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young individuals from such predatory behavior.
The court’s verdict reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring such offenders to justice in Lancashire and beyond.
