JOHN PATTISON, LONG-SERVING PARAMEDIC AND SCOUT VOLUNTEER, SENTENCED IN BOURNEMOUTH
John Pattison, a long-serving paramedic and Scout volunteer from Christchurch, allegedly pretended to be his 'widowed wife' online in an attempt to find a young girl to abuse.While on leave due to an injury sustained while working for South Central Ambulance Service, Pattison reportedly used chatrooms to discuss child abuse.
Prosecutors revealed that he engaged with someone he believed was the father of a girl, but who was actually an undercover police officer.
Pattison arranged to meet at a Sainsbury's store, authorities said.
When arrested, police seized his laptop and phone, discovering indecent images of children as well as an extreme pornographic image.
Pattison, residing on Mallow Close in Christchurch, admitted to nine counts of possessing indecent photographs of a child and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image.
He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing.
Prosecutor Rob Welling stated: "The defendant engaged with an undercover police officer looking for those who would be attracted to meeting with young children.
There was chat between him and this officer.
It resulted in the defendant going to Sainsbury's to meet a man he believed was called John, along with John's wife and young daughter." Welling also explained that Pattison and the undercover officer, referred to as 'John,' had exchanged messages discussing their desire to abuse children.
Pattison reportedly pretended to be his 'widowed wife' during these interactions, a deception he had used on prior occasions, in hopes of being let down.
It was clarified that Pattison was not charged in connection with any offences involving 'John' or the alleged victims in that scenario.
During police interviews, the 44-year-old defendant claimed that the images found on his devices had been sent to him by others.
He insisted he did not find the images sexually appealing and had tried multiple times to report the images as abuse, aiming to bring those responsible to justice.
Mitigation lawyer Nick Robinson highlighted that Pattison had no previous convictions and expressed that he was 'deeply ashamed and has expressed remorse.' Robinson added, "He accepts how serious this is.
He is demonstrably ashamed and incredibly emotional." Judge Brian Forster QC addressed Pattison directly, noting that the injuries from his duties as a paramedic gave him ample time at home, which may have contributed to his behavior.
The judge said, "You have become, in a sense, addicted to going to the chatroom that has brought about this appearance before the court today." Pattison was observed clutching his chest, shaking during the hearing, and covering his face, but was still acknowledged to have family support.
The judge further remarked: "You are fortunate that I have been able to consider not only the content of the pre-sentence report but also the references provided, which describe this conduct as totally out of character." Pattison was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes attending a 60-day sex offenders' programme.
He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must comply with notification requirements for five years.
A spokesperson for The Scout Association stated: "The association is aware of the court proceedings involving John Pattison and has cooperated fully with the statutory agencies throughout this investigation.
It is appropriate that he has pleaded guilty and will be suitably punished for his crimes.
Pattison was suspended from all involvement with the Scout Movement as soon as we were made aware of the investigation." The statement continued, "Pattison will never be allowed to volunteer with us again.
It has been confirmed by the relevant authorities that none of Pattison's victims were Scouts, and his offenses have no connection to Scouting."
