JAMIE BANNOCKS FROM CRICH AND SWINGATE SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY BEHAVIOR TOWARD 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Crich and Swingate, Derby Crown Court heard how Jamie Bannocks, a 29-year-old man, engaged in a series of inappropriate and illegal online communications with a girl he believed was only 12 years old. The court was told that over a span of two weeks, Bannocks exchanged numerous messages with the young girl, who was, in fact, an undercover police officer. During these exchanges, he sent explicit images of himself and encouraged her to reciprocate, all while urging her to keep their conversations secret from others.

Details of the case revealed that Bannocks, who was residing in Crich at the time, initiated contact through internet chatrooms when he was alone. The communication quickly took a sexual turn, with Bannocks making inappropriate remarks and sending an intimate photograph of himself to the girl. The police investigation uncovered these exchanges, leading to his arrest at his residence in Crich, where his wife and two children were present.

Prosecutor Mark Achurch explained that the offending occurred between August 13 and August 28 of the previous year. Bannocks, who has since moved to Swingate, Kimberley, admitted to intentionally communicating with a child for sexual gratification and attempting to incite a 12-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity. His actions, which involved explicit messaging and photographs, were carried out over a two-week period during the summer of 2019.

Following his arrest, Bannocks cooperated fully with authorities, admitting to the charges. His marriage has since ended, and his contact with his children is now supervised, reflecting the serious consequences of his actions. Judge Shaun Smith QC sentenced Bannocks to a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct. The judge also ordered Bannocks to complete 180 hours of community service, attend an accredited sex offenders’ program, and be placed on the sex offenders’ register for a decade.

In his remarks, Judge Smith condemned Bannocks for knowingly engaging in a sexualized conversation with someone he believed was a minor, describing his behavior as “disgusting” and “reprehensible.” The case highlights the ongoing dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.