JAMES STINCHCOMBE FROM TETBURY FACES JUSTICE IN GLOUCESTER FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Tetbury, James Stinchcombe, a 31-year-old man residing on London Road, has been found guilty of serious sexual offences involving a 14-year-old girl. The incidents, which took place in Gloucester, have highlighted the disturbing nature of the allegations and the subsequent legal proceedings that unfolded at Gloucester Crown Court.

Initially, Stinchcombe maintained his innocence, denying all charges brought against him. However, after a four-day trial, the jury convicted him of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a minor and having sexual contact with a child. The prosecution presented evidence that included a demonstration by Stinchcombe himself, where he showed the girl how to put on a condom by using his own body as a visual aid. This act was described as grossly inappropriate and was a key part of the case against him.

The court heard that during the summer of 2011, Stinchcombe engaged in behaviour that was deemed highly inappropriate when he demonstrated condom use to the girl. The situation escalated in May of the following year when he allegedly took advantage of her during a back massage. The girl, who was 15 at the time, had agreed to a massage but became uncomfortable when Stinchcombe asked her to remove her top and lie face down on a bed. Prosecutor Mark Worsley detailed that Stinchcombe undid her bra strap and massaged her back, which she later said felt better. However, the situation took a disturbing turn when, after she had dressed, Stinchcombe allegedly placed his hand inside her top, under her bra, and touched her breast and nipple.

The girl reported the incident to her mother immediately, and during police interviews, she recounted the details of the assault. She also described an incident where Stinchcombe asked her if she knew how to use condoms, produced one, and demonstrated its use on himself while she watched. These actions formed the core of the charges against him.

Despite his initial denial, Stinchcombe’s attitude shifted during the sentencing phase. He instructed his solicitor, Paul Trotman, to change his plea to guilty, acknowledging that the girl’s account was truthful. Judge Jamie Tabor QC expressed relief that Stinchcombe had finally admitted to his actions, stating that his confession would bring comfort to the victim, who had previously been disbelieved by some members of her family. The judge criticized Stinchcombe for dragging the girl through court proceedings and causing her additional distress, despite being well-regarded in his community.

As part of his sentence, Stinchcombe received a two-year community order with supervision, along with mandatory attendance at the Thames Valley sex offender course. He was also ordered to have no contact with the girl and to register as a sex offender for five years. Additionally, he faces a separate charge related to possessing three images of 'extreme pornography,' though Judge Tabor indicated he would not object if that charge remained on file without further action, given the severity of the other convictions.

This case underscores the serious nature of child sexual offences and the importance of justice for victims. The community of Tetbury and Gloucester are left to reflect on the disturbing details of this case, which has brought to light the dangers of inappropriate behaviour and the need for vigilance and support for victims of such crimes.