LEE COLLINGWOOD FROM CORSHAM JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRL IN CORSHAM AND CHIPPEHAM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Corsham, a 25-year-old man named Lee Collingwood has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a girl who was only 14 years old at the time. The sequence of events leading to his conviction reveals a troubling pattern of grooming and exploitation that began in September 2012.

According to court proceedings, Collingwood first met the young girl at a bus stop in Chippenham. He approached her under the guise of offering assistance when she was being bullied by her schoolmates. Demonstrating what authorities described as a manipulative and predatory attitude, Collingwood stayed with her until the bullying subsided, and they exchanged phone numbers as they parted ways. Over the following months, their contact intensified, with the girl reportedly quickly developing trust and affection for Collingwood, who was aware of her personal struggles. It was noted during the trial that her parents were aware of the friendship, though the nature of their knowledge was not detailed.

As their relationship progressed, Collingwood engaged in sexual acts with the girl, who was only 14 or 15 years old at the time. The court heard that their interactions spanned from early 2013 until June 16 of that year. In addition to the sexual activity, Collingwood took explicit photographs and videos of the girl, including a mobile phone recording of her performing a sex act. These images and videos were stored on his computer, along with other indecent images of the same girl, which police later discovered during their investigation.

Prosecutor Colin Meeke told Swindon Crown Court that Collingwood's misconduct was documented through various digital files, including 114 photographs and movies, some of which were made during a period of approximately five and a half months. The charges also included taking, making, and possessing indecent images of a child. Collingwood admitted to these charges during his court appearance, which took place on a Friday, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a minor and related offenses.

Defense lawyer Mark Ruffell described Collingwood as a man of good character, emphasizing that all the indecent images involved the same victim. Despite this, Judge Douglas Field warned Collingwood that his bail should not be interpreted as a sign of leniency, and he scheduled the sentencing for January 10. The judge also ordered Collingwood to register as a sex offender, a requirement that will be in effect until a final sentencing decision is made, which will determine the length of his registration period.

This case underscores the serious nature of child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable minors from predators operating within communities like Corsham and Chippenham.