REGINALD REED FROM BIDEFORD SENT TO MENTAL HOSPITAL AFTER ONLINE GROOMING SCANDAL

In October 2013, a serious case involving a dangerous sex offender from Bideford culminated in his being committed to a mental health facility following a disturbing online grooming incident. The individual, Reginald Reed, aged 34 and residing on Grange Road in Bideford, was found to have used a computer at his supported adult care accommodation to initiate contact with a 14-year-old girl.

Reed's actions involved sending numerous obscene and sexually explicit messages over a period of time, with the apparent intent of grooming the young girl for sexual activity. His communications were extensive, involving hundreds of texts and emails that contained graphic content. The situation took a turn when the girl’s mother, suspicious of her daughter’s online activity, noticed the suspicious traffic on her daughter’s computer. Recognizing the potential danger, she took control of the correspondence, engaging with Reed herself to gather enough information to alert the authorities.

Despite Reed’s efforts to erase evidence, including deleting messages from his phone and computer, he eventually admitted to sending the inappropriate messages during police interviews. His actions prompted immediate concern from law enforcement and mental health professionals alike. As a result, Reed was placed under an interim order under the Mental Health Act, which mandated his transfer to St Andrews Hospital in Northampton. There, he is to undergo specialized treatment for sex offenders, including therapy tailored to address his specific mental health needs.

Judge Phillip Wassall presided over Reed’s case at Exeter Crown Court, where he was informed of Reed’s complex mental health profile. The reports from psychiatrists revealed that Reed suffers from learning difficulties, dissocial disorder, and schizophrenia. Based on these findings, the judge ordered Reed to be detained at the hospital indefinitely, citing the high risk he poses of committing further sexual offenses involving children.

Prosecutor Sean Brunton highlighted the severity of Reed’s misconduct, emphasizing that the messages sent to the girl were not only numerous but also highly sexualized and explicit. Brunton explained that the police were able to trace Reed’s communications after the mother’s intervention, which was crucial in bringing the case to light. He also noted that Reed attempted to cover his tracks by wiping his devices’ memories, and during police interviews, he attributed his behavior to his mental health condition, claiming he was merely seeking fun and companionship, and was not fully responsible for his actions.

Defense lawyer Nigel Wraith argued that Reed’s mental health conditions could be improved through treatment and that none of the psychiatrists involved in his case recommended a restriction order that would keep him detained beyond treatment. Wraith emphasized that the facility chosen for Reed’s treatment was secure, ensuring public safety while allowing for his rehabilitation.

Earlier in August 2013, a judge had already ordered a psychiatric assessment for Reed, recognizing him as a ‘dangerous’ individual due to his online predatory behavior. The court was informed that Reed’s actions, which involved persistent and frequent contact with what he believed was a young girl, were in fact intercepted by her vigilant mother. The court considered Reed’s mental health issues, including learning difficulties, and the fact that he was unaware of the true identity of his interlocutor.

Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, expressed concern over Reed’s case, noting that he was remanded in custody pending further psychiatric evaluation. The judge indicated that, without proper intervention, Reed could face a jail sentence of approximately two years, but the court’s priority was to ensure appropriate treatment and risk management. He dismissed initial proposals for guardianship as unsuitable, emphasizing that Reed’s manipulative tendencies and high risk to children necessitated a more secure and therapeutic approach.

Throughout the proceedings, the importance of a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to public protection was underscored. The court recognized that Reed’s case exemplified the dangers posed by online predators and the critical need for mental health treatment combined with strict supervision.

In March 2013, Reed had already admitted to contacting young people via the internet, leading to his being bailed after his initial court appearance. He was ordered to cooperate with probation services and to prepare for sentencing, which was scheduled to follow further pre-sentence reports. His case has been closely monitored due to the serious nature of his offenses and the potential risk to children in the community.