JULIAN MORRELL GROOMER FROM GWYNEDD AND OXFORD JAILED AFTER INTERNET SEX ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked communities across Gwynedd, Headington, and Oxford, former child psychiatrist Julian Morrell has been sentenced to a total of four years in prison for heinous sexual offenses involving a 14-year-old girl. The case highlights the dangers posed by individuals who exploit their professional knowledge and trust to commit acts of abuse.

According to court records, Morrell, aged 42, traveled approximately 300 miles from his residence in Ealing, West London, to meet the young girl from Gwynedd, North Wales. The incident unfolded after Morrell engaged in online conversations, during which he posed as a teenage boy in a chatroom, establishing a deceptive relationship with the girl. Over the course of a month, the two exchanged numerous emails, building a false sense of familiarity and trust.

It was revealed that Morrell, who was a respected figure in the field of child psychiatry, had previously been struck off the medical register in April 2004 for viewing child pornography on the internet. His professional background included work at the Park Hospital for Children in Oxford and a children's clinic in Reading, Berkshire. Despite his suspension, Morrell continued to engage in inappropriate online behavior, which ultimately led to his arrest and prosecution.

In the following month after their initial online contact, Morrell drove from his home in Ealing to a campsite in Snowdonia, where he met the girl in person. The court heard that he returned to the campsite the following month and sexually assaulted the girl once more. The girl’s parents discovered the troubling communications and the subsequent meetings in October 2004, prompting them to contact the police. The authorities launched an investigation that uncovered Morrell’s grooming activities and his physical encounters with the teenager.

During the sentencing hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court, Judge Merfyn Hughes QC condemned Morrell’s actions, emphasizing the serious risk he posed to young girls. The judge pointed out that Morrell exploited his professional skills and personal insight into child psychology to manipulate and gain the trust of his victim. The court described Morrell as a sexual predator with obsessive tendencies that he was unable or unwilling to control.

In his ruling, Judge Hughes sentenced Morrell to three years for the grooming offense and four years for each of the sexual assault charges, with all sentences to run concurrently. Additionally, Morrell was subjected to a sexual offence prevention order, which included a ban on working with children in any capacity. This measure aims to prevent him from reoffending and to protect other vulnerable minors from potential harm.

Morrell’s case has garnered significant media attention due to his prior reputation as a leading expert in child psychiatry, particularly in sleep disorders. His professional career was tarnished when he was struck off the medical register, a consequence of his online misconduct. His defense lawyer, Rachel Smith, expressed remorse on his behalf, stating, “He has already lost everything he holds dear – his good name, his career, his wife, his children.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who abuse positions of trust and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from exploitation.