JASON WHEELER GILLINGHAM FLASHE R AVOID JAIL AFTER SEXUAL OFFENSES NEAR SCHOOL
| Red Rose Database
Gillingham Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the community of Gillingham, Jason Wheeler, a 27-year-old plumber, was brought before Maidstone Crown Court in connection with a series of disturbing incidents involving schoolgirls in October 2015. Wheeler's actions, which included exposing himself and performing a sex act while seated in his vehicle, prompted widespread concern and outrage among residents and authorities alike.
According to court records, Wheeler committed these offenses during the early morning hours when children were on their way to school. The court heard that one 15-year-old girl encountered Wheeler as he drove up in his silver Nissan. He initially asked her if she wanted a lift, which she declined. However, Wheeler then stopped his car in front of her, slouched back in his seat, and made a disturbing remark, asking, “Do you like that?”
Prosecutor Keith Yardy explained that the girl was visibly shocked and frightened when she saw Wheeler performing a sexual act. Her friend, who was also approached by Wheeler, experienced a similar encounter when he attempted to lure her into his vehicle. Wheeler again engaged in the sexual act and told her, “Come on, you want to get in now don’t you?”
Two days later, the first girl saw Wheeler again in his car, which had black tinted windows, and took down the registration number before calling the police. Another young girl, aged 14, was near shops on Garfield Road in Gillingham when Wheeler wound down his window and called out to her, saying, “Look at me and get in the car. Do you want some fun and come with me?”
The fourth victim, also 14, observed Wheeler in his parked vehicle and heard him call out “Oi” multiple times. He then pointed to his lap and said, “Look what I’ve got.” Wheeler was arrested on October 16, and during police questioning, he claimed that his actions had been intended as a joke.
Further investigation revealed that Wheeler’s dash cam footage showed him approaching other girls in school uniforms on his way to school, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior. Wheeler admitted to four counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of children. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to pay each of his four victims £250 in compensation for the distress caused, along with a fine of £750 and £260 in court costs.
In addition to financial penalties, Wheeler’s name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years. A sexual harm prevention order was also issued to restrict his future conduct. The court decided not to seize his sports car, valued at approximately £8,500, but he does own a Volkswagen Golf.
Judge Jeremy Carey, presiding over the case, chose to suspend a 16-month prison sentence for two years, instead imposing 150 hours of unpaid community service. The judge explained that this was an exceptional course of action, emphasizing that Wheeler must adhere strictly to the conditions set forth; any breach could result in immediate imprisonment. He also highlighted the importance of protecting young victims from such obscene and revolting behavior, stating, “The victims are real people who should be protected from this obscene and unpleasant sight.”
Judge Carey further remarked on the lengthy delay in Wheeler’s prosecution, describing it as “particularly unpleasant” and, in a way, a form of punishment. He suggested that Wheeler might have to sell his vehicle to cover the financial penalties, stating, “For that reason, it seems justice is served.” Wheeler was given until February 3 to pay the compensation and is scheduled to return to court for a progress review on July 28. The judge concluded by warning Wheeler that if he steps out of line again, he will not be given a second chance, underscoring the seriousness of his offenses and the court’s commitment to safeguarding children from such disturbing conduct.
According to court records, Wheeler committed these offenses during the early morning hours when children were on their way to school. The court heard that one 15-year-old girl encountered Wheeler as he drove up in his silver Nissan. He initially asked her if she wanted a lift, which she declined. However, Wheeler then stopped his car in front of her, slouched back in his seat, and made a disturbing remark, asking, “Do you like that?”
Prosecutor Keith Yardy explained that the girl was visibly shocked and frightened when she saw Wheeler performing a sexual act. Her friend, who was also approached by Wheeler, experienced a similar encounter when he attempted to lure her into his vehicle. Wheeler again engaged in the sexual act and told her, “Come on, you want to get in now don’t you?”
Two days later, the first girl saw Wheeler again in his car, which had black tinted windows, and took down the registration number before calling the police. Another young girl, aged 14, was near shops on Garfield Road in Gillingham when Wheeler wound down his window and called out to her, saying, “Look at me and get in the car. Do you want some fun and come with me?”
The fourth victim, also 14, observed Wheeler in his parked vehicle and heard him call out “Oi” multiple times. He then pointed to his lap and said, “Look what I’ve got.” Wheeler was arrested on October 16, and during police questioning, he claimed that his actions had been intended as a joke.
Further investigation revealed that Wheeler’s dash cam footage showed him approaching other girls in school uniforms on his way to school, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior. Wheeler admitted to four counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of children. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to pay each of his four victims £250 in compensation for the distress caused, along with a fine of £750 and £260 in court costs.
In addition to financial penalties, Wheeler’s name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years. A sexual harm prevention order was also issued to restrict his future conduct. The court decided not to seize his sports car, valued at approximately £8,500, but he does own a Volkswagen Golf.
Judge Jeremy Carey, presiding over the case, chose to suspend a 16-month prison sentence for two years, instead imposing 150 hours of unpaid community service. The judge explained that this was an exceptional course of action, emphasizing that Wheeler must adhere strictly to the conditions set forth; any breach could result in immediate imprisonment. He also highlighted the importance of protecting young victims from such obscene and revolting behavior, stating, “The victims are real people who should be protected from this obscene and unpleasant sight.”
Judge Carey further remarked on the lengthy delay in Wheeler’s prosecution, describing it as “particularly unpleasant” and, in a way, a form of punishment. He suggested that Wheeler might have to sell his vehicle to cover the financial penalties, stating, “For that reason, it seems justice is served.” Wheeler was given until February 3 to pay the compensation and is scheduled to return to court for a progress review on July 28. The judge concluded by warning Wheeler that if he steps out of line again, he will not be given a second chance, underscoring the seriousness of his offenses and the court’s commitment to safeguarding children from such disturbing conduct.