JOHN FREER FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR REPEATED OFFENCES AGAINST TEENAGER
In December 2018, a disturbing case unfolded involving John Freer, a 39-year-old man from Middlesbrough, who was once again brought before the courts for his troubling conduct towards a teenage girl.The court heard how Freer, despite having served time for previous offences, continued to pose a significant threat to young girls through his persistent online stalking and grooming activities.
Freer’s criminal history includes a prior conviction for attempting to groom an underage girl in 2016.
He was sentenced to eight months in prison for that offence and was subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
However, his actions did not cease after his release.
Instead, he resumed his predatory behavior, targeting the same girl he had previously groomed, using social media platforms to continue his harassment.
In the latest incident, Freer used Instagram to stalk the girl, who was a minor at the time.
Prosecutor Harry Hadfield explained that Freer had created multiple fake profiles under aliases such as John Andrew, and even used a picture of the Hulk as his profile image.
He followed her on Instagram, liked her pictures, and left comments, all without her knowledge of his true identity.
The girl did not realize it was the same individual from her past encounters until she recognized a disturbing image he sent her, which showed him holding a breast and smiling.
This image, described as 'unsavoury,' deeply distressed her and reignited her fears.
Following this, the girl confided in her mother, revealing that Freer’s reappearance and contact made her feel as if her previous trauma was happening all over again.
Her mother recounted the emotional toll this took on her daughter, noting that she became increasingly anxious, withdrew from her usual activities, and no longer felt safe in her own home.
The mother herself described suffering from depression and anxiety, overwhelmed by the impact of Freer’s relentless harassment.
During the court proceedings, Freer admitted to stalking the girl, breaching the court-ordered sexual harm prevention measures, and failing to comply with notification requirements as a registered sex offender.
He claimed that he had set up a Facebook account solely to reconnect with friends and family, but evidence showed he had used multiple aliases and internet devices to continue his pursuit of the girl.
Police investigations revealed that Freer had used someone else’s Wi-Fi connection to access social media, attempting to evade detection.
Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, condemned Freer’s actions, describing his conduct as deliberate and persistent.
The judge emphasized the profound impact on the victim’s life, stating, “Her life has effectively been ruined by you and you have shown little or no remorse whatsoever.
You had absolutely no regard to her.
Your only regard was for yourself.” The judge was unequivocal in his assessment that Freer’s intentions were sexual grooming, dismissing Freer’s claims of having no sexual interest in the girl as “a downright lie.” He further stated that Freer’s lack of empathy and failure to understand the harm caused demonstrated his dangerousness.
As a result, Freer was sentenced to a total of six years in prison—four years for the primary offences and an additional two years on extended licence.
An indefinite restraining order was also issued to prevent any further contact with the victim or her family.
The court’s decision underscores the serious nature of his repeated offences and the ongoing risk he poses to vulnerable young girls in Middlesbrough and beyond.
In a related case from June 2017, Freer, then aged 38, pleaded guilty to attempting to meet an underage girl after grooming her online.
He admitted to inciting a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity and trying to meet her with the intent of committing a sex offence.
The court was told that he communicated with the girl in August of that year and was planning to meet her.
He was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing scheduled for July 21, where the court would consider the appropriate punishment, including the possibility of a lengthy custodial sentence and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Freer was also subject to bail conditions that prohibited him from contacting the victim or having unsupervised contact with children, but his continued online activity demonstrated a blatant disregard for court orders and the safety of minors.
Throughout these proceedings, the courts have recognized the ongoing danger Freer poses, especially given his repeated breaches of court orders and his persistent online stalking.
His case highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring and strict enforcement of measures designed to protect children from predatory individuals like him in Middlesbrough and the wider community.
