GATESHEAD MAN RECEIVES SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR GROOMING A 'SCHOOLGIRL' ONLINE AFTER VIGILANTE ATTACK
A man named James Wilson, formerly residing in Gateshead, was involved in attempting to communicate sexually with a decoy profile set up by vigilantes, pretending to be a 14-year-old girl named Ella.
Wilson sent numerous sexual and inappropriate messages, including references to wanting to be her stepdad, love, and marry her, as well as asking for sexual images.
He also made disturbing comments about cutting off 'perverts' testicles and harming them.
Wilson referred to himself as 'Uncle James' and expressed shame about his actions, but also detailed plans to meet her and suggested she pretend he was her father to get close.
Prosecutor Joe Hedworth told Newcastle Crown Court that Wilson spoke about men who prey on children being evil and deserved to be hung, and detailed his grooming behaviors, which included referring to her body in a highly inappropriate manner and expressing desire to meet her in Chester-le-Street.
He later admitted to attempting sexual communication with a child and causing her to watch a sexual act, and was sentenced to 14 months suspended for 21 months, with orders to register as a sex offender and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
Wilson's home address was not disclosed following the incident, as he was attacked by vigilantes in retaliation, resulting in serious injuries requiring surgery to repair his eye socket.
The attack was linked to his online offending and was carried out following social media exposure.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
le-Street. He later admitted to attempting sexual communication with a child and causing her to watch a sexual act, and was sentenced to 14 months suspended for 21 months, with orders to register as a sex offender and a 10-year sexual ha...
Suspended sentence
21 months
He later admitted to attempting sexual communication with a child and causing her to watch a sexual act, and was sentenced to 14 months suspended for 21 months, with orders to register as a sex offender and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order
Sex Offenders Register
14 months
He later admitted to attempting sexual communication with a child and causing her to watch a sexual act, and was sentenced to 14 months suspended for 21 months, with orders to register as a sex offender and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order
Court order
14 months
He later admitted to attempting sexual communication with a child and causing her to watch a sexual act, and was sentenced to 14 months suspended for 21 months, with orders to register as a sex offender and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order
