JASON YEOMANS FROM ALFRETON SENTENCED FOR ONLINE GROOMING IN DERBYSHIRE AND BURTON

In March 2022, Jason Yeomans, a man originally from Alfreton, was convicted of serious offences related to online child grooming and attempted sexual communication with minors in the Derbyshire area, including Derby and Burton. His case drew significant attention due to the disturbing nature of his actions and the risks he posed to young girls.

Derby Crown Court heard how Yeomans, aged 34 at the time, had a troubling history of child sex offences, having previously received a ten-year prison sentence for similar crimes. He was released from custody in September of the previous year and was placed under supervision, residing at a bail hostel located on Bass Street, off Ashbourne Road. Despite his release, Yeomans quickly resumed contact with minors through digital means, using one of his two mobile phones to reach out to young girls online.

According to the court proceedings, Yeomans initiated conversations with what he believed to be under-16 girls, asking invasive questions about their underwear and sexual experiences. His actions became more alarming when he was caught attempting to meet one of these decoy girls, who was actually an adult posing as a minor. The decoy, along with another girl who claimed to be 14 and living in Tamworth, were part of a sting operation conducted by self-styled paedophile hunters, which ultimately led to his arrest.

Prosecutor Sarah Slater detailed that police seized Yeomans' mobile phone, revealing hundreds of messages exchanged between October 19 and November 1. In these messages, Yeomans claimed to live in Derby and described himself as 34 years old. He discussed plans to meet the girls in Burton, suggesting they could kiss, and expressed interest in visiting Tamworth. When one girl cited a disagreement with her mother as an excuse to delay meeting, Yeomans responded with understanding and proposed to reschedule. He also inquired about coming to Tamworth to meet the girl in person.

Judge Shaun Smith QC sentenced Yeomans to five years in prison, emphasizing the danger he posed to children. The judge stated, “I have to assess if you pose a risk to the public and I have absolutely no doubt that you do. Your offender manager report concludes that you pose a risk in relation to children under the age of 16 and there is no doubt you have a sexual interest in children.”

Yeomans' criminal record includes convictions for child sex offences dating back to 2010, including possession of indecent images of children. His current sentence comprises two years of imprisonment followed by a three-year extended licence period. This extended licence means he will be eligible to apply for parole after serving two-thirds of his custodial term, but due to being recalled on licence from a previous child sex offence, he will not be released until at least 2026.

Additionally, Yeomans was handed a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the sex offender register for the rest of his life, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.