JAMIE CHANCE FROM TELFORD SENTENCED FOR GROOMING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL OVER FACEBOOK IN SHREWSBURY
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Jamie Chance, a 27-year-old man from Telford, was sentenced to prison after engaging in a sinister online grooming campaign targeting a 12-year-old girl.The incident unfolded after the victim’s mother discovered a series of alarming messages exchanged between her daughter and Chance on Facebook, revealing a pattern of disturbing and graphic conversations.
Shrewsbury Crown Court heard how Chance had initially handed himself in to the police following the discovery of these messages.
The court was informed that Chance had previously been involved in a separate case three years prior, where he was convicted of possessing indecent images of children.
Despite this, he was allowed to prematurely conclude a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program, having convinced his supervisors that he had successfully completed it.
However, rather than reform, Chance’s online activities escalated, leading him to target the young girl.
The court was told that Chance not only engaged in conversations that included explicit and violent sexual content but also took steps to meet the girl in person.
On March 1, he met her face-to-face and shared a kiss, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.
During the proceedings, Chance admitted to charges of sexual assault on a child under 13, as well as three counts of inciting or causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Judge Jonathan Gosling presided over the case and sentenced Chance to 32 months in prison.
The judge also ordered that upon his release, Chance would be required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
He will only be eligible for release after serving at least half of his sentence and will remain on licence thereafter.
Prosecutor Mr.
Robert Edwards detailed some of the messages exchanged, highlighting how the conversations grew increasingly violent and disturbing, with Chance suggesting extreme sexual acts and violent scenarios involving the young girl.
The judge also referenced Chance’s previous criminal record, which includes ten counts of possessing indecent images of children in 2012.
Although he was given a community order at that time, he was allowed to conclude his sex offenders’ program early, which the court described as a grave mistake.
Judge Gosling emphasized the severity of the case, describing Chance as having a “deep dark side” that he struggled to control.
The judge questioned whether Chance should be considered a dangerous offender, given his history of viewing revolting images and his calculated grooming of the young girl.
The judge stated, “This is a difficult case.
There is a deep dark side to you, very sinister, over which you do not have complete control.
I have had to ask if you are a dangerous offender.
In the past, you viewed revolting images of children and managed to convince people your community sex offenders’ program was such a success that it finished early, and then you turned your attentions to this 12-year-old girl.” During police interviews, Chance claimed that the messages made him feel “happy,” although he insisted he had no intention of acting on his online conversations.
Defense lawyer Danny Smith acknowledged Chance’s troubling thoughts but emphasized that he recognized their severity and did not attempt to normalize or justify them.
The case has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and the ongoing risks posed by individuals with a history of such offenses, especially in the Telford area.
