OXFORD JUDGE CONCERNED WITH UNDERCOVER OFFICER MESSAGES
A judge has expressed concern that undercover officers 'went too far' in engaging in sexual conversations about children while engaging a paedophile.Sitting in retirement, Judge Michael Gledhill KC showed his concern during the sentencing of 32-year-old James Wood, who had pleaded guilty to several offences, including publishing an obscene article through chat messages on Wire and Wickr Me.
During his sentencing at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (April 11), it was revealed that Wood believed he was communicating with two mothers named ‘Kas’ and ‘Karen’.
They discussed the sexual abuse of their children, with the conversations including depictions of the mothers sexually abusing the children under the pretense of teaching them about sex, along with proposed arrangements for Wood to also engage sexually with them.
Judge Gledhill expressed his concerns about these conversations, describing them as 'filthy', and questioned whether the officers involved 'went too far' in encouraging the defendant.
He stated, 'Has anyone considered that they went too far in encouraging the defendant?' and 'I’m concerned that what they did over a number of days, engaging in these filthy conversations with this defendant, go beyond what is needed and is encouraging [the defendant] to commit offences.' The judge also stated he intended to draw this to the attention of senior Crown Prosecution lawyers and police officers for their consideration.
Wood, of Copse View near Didcot, was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, but Judge Gledhill reiterated his concerns, noting that Wood was encouraged by undercover officers and highlighting that there were no victims and that he had proceeded with 'fantasies'.
The judge emphasized that his sentence was not because Wood did not deserve prison, but due to the circumstances of the investigation and the officers' involvement.
