TOMMY SOUTHAM FROM COALVILLE SENTENCED IN LEICESTER FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST 14-YEAR-OLD BOY
| Red Rose Database
Coalville Child Sexual Abuser
In March 2019, Leicester Crown Court heard a case involving Tommy Southam, a 25-year-old man from Coalville, who faced serious charges related to his inappropriate conduct with a minor. The proceedings revealed that Southam had pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old boy and to breaching a sexual harm prevention order that had been previously imposed on him due to an earlier sex offence involving a different child.
The court was informed that Southam had initiated contact with the underage teenager through social media platforms, specifically Instagram, and had arranged to meet him in person. The defendant then drove to meet the boy, who willingly entered his vehicle, indicating a level of consent in their meeting. Prosecutor James Varley stated, “The defendant had contacted the boy via Instagram and accepts it was grooming behaviour. It is also accepted by the prosecution that the meeting between them was consensual. There was a consensual kiss between them in the car.”
The court heard that the victim was experiencing emotional distress and was considered particularly vulnerable at the time of the incident. It was also noted that Southam’s previous conviction for a sexual offence against a boy under 13 had resulted in the imposition of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which prohibited him from having unsupervised contact with children under 16. Despite this, Southam breached the order in 2014 by sending text messages to another 14-year-old.
Prosecutor Mr. Varley emphasized that the latest offence was a “deliberate targeting of a young boy,” who, despite the consensual nature of their meeting, was still vulnerable. The court was told that Southam’s actions demonstrated a pattern of predatory behaviour.
Defence barrister Katya Saudek addressed the court on behalf of Southam, stating that her client was seeking a custodial sentence of sufficient length to access necessary treatment programs. “He wants a custodial sentence and he wants it to be of sufficient length to do the courses that he hasn’t previously had access to,” she explained. She argued that Southam was eager to address his issues and that participation in specialized sex offenders’ courses within the prison system was crucial for his rehabilitation. Saudek suggested that a minimum of three years in prison would be appropriate, allowing Southam to transfer to a facility that offers the necessary rehabilitative programs.
Judge Ebraham Mooncey acknowledged the seriousness of the case, expressing concern over the fact that Southam was so young and highlighting the support he had from his family, as evidenced by a letter read in court. The judge remarked, “It’s very worrying to have such a young man before the court. You have quite a lot of support from your family and it’s a real pity you’ve committed these offences.”
While noting that Southam was not requesting leniency, the judge made it clear that the existing sexual harm prevention order was in place to protect others and that early intervention was vital. “You really need to address these issues early, while you’re young, and you may be able to do that with the services envisaged,” he said.
Ultimately, Southam was sentenced to a total of three years in prison, reflecting the court’s view of the gravity of his offences and the importance of rehabilitation to prevent future harm.
The court was informed that Southam had initiated contact with the underage teenager through social media platforms, specifically Instagram, and had arranged to meet him in person. The defendant then drove to meet the boy, who willingly entered his vehicle, indicating a level of consent in their meeting. Prosecutor James Varley stated, “The defendant had contacted the boy via Instagram and accepts it was grooming behaviour. It is also accepted by the prosecution that the meeting between them was consensual. There was a consensual kiss between them in the car.”
The court heard that the victim was experiencing emotional distress and was considered particularly vulnerable at the time of the incident. It was also noted that Southam’s previous conviction for a sexual offence against a boy under 13 had resulted in the imposition of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which prohibited him from having unsupervised contact with children under 16. Despite this, Southam breached the order in 2014 by sending text messages to another 14-year-old.
Prosecutor Mr. Varley emphasized that the latest offence was a “deliberate targeting of a young boy,” who, despite the consensual nature of their meeting, was still vulnerable. The court was told that Southam’s actions demonstrated a pattern of predatory behaviour.
Defence barrister Katya Saudek addressed the court on behalf of Southam, stating that her client was seeking a custodial sentence of sufficient length to access necessary treatment programs. “He wants a custodial sentence and he wants it to be of sufficient length to do the courses that he hasn’t previously had access to,” she explained. She argued that Southam was eager to address his issues and that participation in specialized sex offenders’ courses within the prison system was crucial for his rehabilitation. Saudek suggested that a minimum of three years in prison would be appropriate, allowing Southam to transfer to a facility that offers the necessary rehabilitative programs.
Judge Ebraham Mooncey acknowledged the seriousness of the case, expressing concern over the fact that Southam was so young and highlighting the support he had from his family, as evidenced by a letter read in court. The judge remarked, “It’s very worrying to have such a young man before the court. You have quite a lot of support from your family and it’s a real pity you’ve committed these offences.”
While noting that Southam was not requesting leniency, the judge made it clear that the existing sexual harm prevention order was in place to protect others and that early intervention was vital. “You really need to address these issues early, while you’re young, and you may be able to do that with the services envisaged,” he said.
Ultimately, Southam was sentenced to a total of three years in prison, reflecting the court’s view of the gravity of his offences and the importance of rehabilitation to prevent future harm.