JAMES ROBERTS OF SOUTH SHIELDS JAILED FOR ONLINE SEXUAL GROOMING IN NEWCASTLE
James Roberts, a 70-year-old man from South Shields, was sentenced after believing he was communicating with a schoolgirl online, but was actually speaking to an undercover police officer.Roberts had sought to persuade a minor to visit his home, offering to "train" her in sexual acts.
The court was told Roberts initially used a chat application and later moved the conversation to WhatsApp.
During their exchanges, he claimed to be at home drinking beer and invited the girl to join him, mentioning that he lived near South Shields Metro station and could meet her there.
Roberts discussed her sexual experience and suggested they could have sex if she wanted to.
An arrangement was made for a meeting the following week, during which Roberts said, "You won't tell anyone," accompanied by a winking emoji.
He also asked if he should wear a condom, stating he would get some just in case.
Prosecutor Andrew Finlay explained, "He said she was the youngest he had been with." The conversation included discussions about her clothing, with Roberts asking her to wear a skirt, and whether she was a virgin.
She responded that she had tried, but it didn't work, to which he replied, "I will take it for you." He also asked if she wanted him to 'train' her.
Roberts, believing he was speaking to a child, discussed watching pornography and described his genital size, claiming he would be gentle during sex.
After receiving a picture he thought was her, he complimented her beauty and said he was thinking of her naked.
The conversation further delved into details about her breasts and what he wished to do.
When the girl expressed doubts about meeting, Roberts encouraged her to proceed.
On November 12, 2020, he arrived at South Shields Metro station for the encounter but was arrested by police.
Roberts, of Green Place, South Shields, pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming.
Judge Robert Spragg sentenced him to 30 months in prison, and he was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Additionally, Roberts will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.
The court heard Roberts has been married three times, has children he does not see regularly, and was feeling lonely and isolated at the time of the offences.
He was also drinking heavily then.
His defense attorney, Robin Turton, stated, "This was a regular chat site and she made the first move.
He was flattered and surprised she wanted to have a conversation with him given the age disparity." It was revealed that Roberts has 58 previous convictions, none related to sexual offences, with his last conviction occurring in 1995 for drug-related crimes, which resulted in a 30-month jail term.
The court was informed that Roberts suffers from health issues including arthritis and COPD.
