URMSTON MAN JOHN JAMES SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN MANCHESTER

In April 2010, a disturbing case unfolded involving John James, a 49-year-old man from Urmston, who was convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl. The Manchester Minshull Street Court heard harrowing details of how James sexually assaulted the girl and engaged in the production and storage of indecent images of her, leading to his eventual imprisonment.

According to court proceedings, James was found guilty of multiple charges, including three counts of sexual assault and twelve counts of taking indecent photographs of the girl using his mobile phone. Nine of these photographs were taken while the girl was asleep, highlighting the predatory nature of his actions. The court was informed that James also transmitted the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia to the young victim, a disease that can, in extreme cases, cause infertility. This detail underscored the severity of his misconduct and the physical harm inflicted upon her.

The case came to light after James’s sister inadvertently discovered the shocking images stored on his home computer. This accidental discovery prompted an investigation that eventually led to his arrest. During the trial, James initially denied any wrongdoing, attempting to shift blame onto an innocent person and claiming amnesia. It was only on the second day of the proceedings that he admitted to the charges, a move that the prosecution highlighted as a partial acknowledgment of his guilt.

Prosecutor Alaric Bassano described the profound impact of James’s actions on the young girl. He explained that her once bright and lively personality was transformed into someone withdrawn, struggling academically, and plagued by nightmares about her ordeal. The girl’s mother had noticed her daughter’s drastic behavioral changes, becoming tearful, withdrawn, and occasionally aggressive. The girl confided in her grandmother through a note, stating simply, “We did sex,” but was reluctant to provide further details at that time. It was only months later that she was able to disclose the full extent of her trauma, a process that was emotionally taxing for her.

Medical examinations at St Mary’s Clinic confirmed that the girl had contracted chlamydia from James, who had been reckless in preventing the transmission of the disease. The examination process was traumatic for her, as she was initially too distressed to proceed but later consented. The diagnosis underscored the physical harm caused by James’s reckless behavior.

Following his arrest, James’s reactions ranged from claiming amnesia to failing to answer questions and blaming an innocent person. His behavior during the investigation was described as inconsistent and evasive, further illustrating his attempt to avoid responsibility. The court heard that the girl endured a traumatic period, during which her personality changed significantly, and she began experiencing nightmares related to her abuser.

Defense lawyer Richard Littler acknowledged that James had initially vehemently denied the charges but had since begun to accept the psychological damage he had caused. Littler expressed that James felt profound shame and regret and recognized the need for help.

Judge Jonathan Foster sentenced James to eight years in prison for the sexual assault charges. Additionally, he was sentenced to nine months concurrently for the charges related to taking indecent images. The judge emphasized that James would not receive full credit for his guilty pleas, as they were entered only at the court door, although he acknowledged that James’s admission spared the victim from the ordeal of testifying in court.

Upon release, James will be subject to strict supervision and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.