THOMAS BULMER, THE SCHEMING PREDATOR FROM NORFOLK, SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES
A man described as a 'scheming individual' with an deeply entrenched sexual interest in children has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his disturbing and predatory actions.Thomas Bulmer, aged 31, began his offending spree while still a teenager, when he incited a boy under the age of 13—whose identity remains protected by legal restrictions—to engage in sexual activity in a field located somewhere in Norfolk.
Following this initial offence in 2006, Bulmer continued his criminal behavior over the next 17 years, committing a total of 25 separate offences.
The majority of these crimes were committed against residents of the Thetford area, which is situated within Norfolk.
His pattern of offending included a range of sexual crimes involving children, highlighting a disturbing and persistent pattern of predatory behavior.
In 2016, Norfolk police became aware of Bulmer’s online activities when they discovered he was operating under false profiles.
These fake identities were used to incite children to send indecent images of themselves, a tactic that demonstrated his ongoing attempts to exploit vulnerable minors through digital means.
The investigation revealed that Bulmer had not only solicited such images but also distributed indecent photographs of children.
Furthermore, he engaged in activities where children were made to watch indecent material, including footage depicting Bulmer touching himself sexually.
Prosecutor Stephen Spence explained that the case was brought to the attention of Norfolk Constabulary’s Safeguarding Children Online Team (SCOLT) due to the high volume of reports from children expressing concerns about Bulmer’s online conduct.
Mr.
Spence emphasized that Bulmer’s actions were driven by an 'entrenched and continuing sexual interest in children,' which manifested through various criminal acts.
These included the solicitation, making, and distribution of indecent images, as well as engaging in sexual acts in the presence of children—either physically or via the internet.
His attempts at online grooming and contact offences further underscored the severity of his predatory behavior.
The court heard that Bulmer had committed two specific offences involving inciting children to engage in sexual activity.
One involved persuading a young boy, approximately six or seven years old, to touch him sexually, while another involved a different boy of the same age.
Additionally, Bulmer convinced a 13-year-old boy to send him images of his genitals in exchange for pictures of teenage girls that Bulmer himself had sent.
These acts demonstrated a clear pattern of manipulation and exploitation.
Bulmer, who was also observed engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a 10-year-old boy who was in bed at the time, appeared in court earlier this month to face sentencing.
He had previously admitted to 25 sexual offences, including two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
The defendant, who resides on Harleston Road in Langmere near Diss, was handed a 17-year extended sentence by Judge Andrew Shaw.
This sentence comprises 11 years of imprisonment with an additional six years on licence, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.
During the proceedings, Bulmer’s legal representative, Oliver Haswell, highlighted that the defendant was himself a child when he first committed these offences and that he had suffered abuse and a traumatic childhood.
Mr.
Haswell noted that Bulmer’s guilty pleas had spared his victims from the ordeal of giving evidence in court.
He also pointed out that Bulmer had shown some remorse and insight into his actions during assessments conducted by the Probation Service.
Since being remanded into custody, Bulmer has reportedly engaged positively within the prison environment.
He has been assisting fellow inmates with literacy and mathematics and has been acting as a supportive listener to those struggling with personal issues.
This behavior was noted as a sign of his willingness to make amends and improve himself.
Following the sentencing, Sgt Naomi Harger from Suffolk Police issued a statement condemning Bulmer’s actions.
She described him as a 'manipulative and scheming individual' who preyed on children to satisfy his perverse and deviant desires.
Sgt Harger expressed satisfaction with the length of the sentence, stating that it was a necessary step to reassure the public that authorities are committed to taking strong action against such offenders.
She further emphasized the importance of protecting children from exploitation and urged parents concerned about their children’s online contacts to utilize tools such as Sarah’s Law or the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS).
Her message underscored the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent similar crimes from occurring in the future.
