THOMAS DAVIDSON FROM BASINGSTOKE SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN WINCHESTER

In a serious case that has raised concerns about online safety and the protection of minors, Thomas Davidson, a 38-year-old resident of Cleaver Road in South Ham, Basingstoke, was sentenced to 13 months in prison at Winchester Crown Court on a Friday in January 2018. The court heard that Davidson had engaged in inappropriate and sexual conversations with a young girl, who was only 12 years old at the time, in a disturbing attempt to pursue a sexual relationship.

Davidson’s arrest followed an unannounced police visit on June 22, 2017. Law enforcement officers had reason to believe that he was communicating with someone about engaging in sexual acts with a minor. During the search, Davidson initially claimed he had lost his phone, but officers discovered that he had hidden it in a towel. When they examined the device, they uncovered a troubling conversation on a smartphone app with a girl from Australia, who was just 12 years old.

Prosecutor Matthew Lawson detailed the content of the messages, revealing that Davidson had initially claimed to be the same age as the girl, saying he was also 12. However, it quickly became apparent that he was significantly older. The messages included disturbing statements, such as Davidson expressing a desire to “snuggle” with her, to which she responded that she only cuddled soft toys. More alarmingly, Davidson sent a message stating, “I want to get to know you so I can be your first,” indicating his intent to take her virginity.

Throughout the proceedings, it was acknowledged that Davidson was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions, but his own sexual gratification had overpowered his sense of morality. The court was also informed that Davidson had a prior conviction in 2011 for possessing indecent images, which resulted in a one-year jail sentence.

In his defense, Davidson’s solicitor, Lucy Conroy, argued that he was making efforts to control his impulses. She stated that he had taken steps such as selling his Xbox, switching to a basic phone, and removing his smartphone altogether. Additionally, his mother was actively monitoring his internet activity to prevent further misconduct.

However, Recorder Jason Taylor expressed serious concern about Davidson’s behavior, emphasizing the rapidity with which he sought out and communicated with children online. The court was told that police investigations uncovered between 10 and 20 different conversations on Davidson’s phone, highlighting a pattern of inappropriate communication.

As part of his sentence, Davidson was also subjected to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, aimed at restricting his contact with minors and preventing any future offenses. This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in safeguarding children from online predators and highlights the importance of vigilance in the digital age.