WILLIAM DOBSON FROM BLACKBURN SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY ONLINE SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A TEENAGER
2025-12-04 20:50: William Dobson appeared at Blackburn Magistrates' Court on July 18, 2025, for his first hearing.He faces charges related to failing to comply with notification requirements under the Sex Offenders Register, in breach of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
The case is listed under reference 04ZL3989524.
Dobson, who was not asked to enter a plea at this stage, is accused of not updating his details as legally required.
Such offences often lead to further court proceedings, including a date for bail or plea hearings.
The court will determine whether Dobson will face a trial on these charges.
No further details about his identity or the specifics of the alleged offence have been publicly disclosed.
Magistrates' Court is the initial step for many cases related to register breaches, which can have serious consequences if proven.
The case continues to be scheduled for future hearings for legal proceedings to unfold.
--------------------------- 2022-12-22 00:01: In December 2022, a disturbing case emerged involving William Dobson, a resident of Blackburn, who engaged in a highly inappropriate and predatory online conversation with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl.
The incident unfolded on the platform RandoChat, where Dobson initiated contact with a profile named ‘NellyUK’.
The platform is intended for users aged 18 and above, but Dobson was unaware that he was communicating with a decoy, Donna Hurst, from the group Confronted and Caught.
Prosecutor Stephen Parker outlined that Dobson’s interaction with ‘Nelly’ was initiated after he saw her profile and began a chat.
Despite being informed that ‘Nelly’ was only 14 years old, Dobson persisted in the conversation, displaying a disturbing disregard for her age.
He asked invasive questions about her personal attire, such as whether she owned a thong, and inquired about her sexual activities, including whether she had ever played with herself or humped a pillow.
‘Nelly’ responded that her dog engaged in such behavior, which Dobson then continued to probe, asking if she ever woke up feeling horny and suggesting she watch adult content on PornHub to learn more about sex.
Dobson’s conversation with ‘Nelly’ took a darker turn as he explicitly asked about her knowledge of sex, her family, and her relationships.
He made inappropriate comments about her mother’s sexual activity, questioned whether her boyfriend had ever engaged in sexual acts with her, and asked if he had ever touched her inappropriately.
The conversation escalated further when Dobson inquired about her location, claiming he was nearby and could pick her up.
‘Nelly’ explained that her knowledge of sex was limited to what she learned in school, mainly about contraception, to which Dobson responded that he would show her everything.
He then made a disturbing suggestion that she had a choice: either he would rape her or someone else would.
He also told her she could signal him to stop by tapping him three times on the head.
During the exchange, ‘Nelly’ mentioned she was babysitting a six-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl, prompting Dobson to ask whether she would be teaching the girl about sex or even sharing a bed with her.
Despite her discomfort, Dobson continued to encourage her to engage in sexual activities involving the young children, which she found deeply unsettling.
The conversation persisted for approximately 48 hours before Dobson’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials, along with members of the group Confronted and Caught, visited his residence on Preston New Road in Blackburn about two months later.
They called the police, leading to his apprehension.
During the court proceedings, Dobson’s defense highlighted that he had not attempted to meet the girl in person.
His legal team, represented by Holly Nelson, explained that Dobson, aged 32 at the time, was struggling with personal issues, including substance abuse involving alcohol and cocaine, which he has since ceased.
Nelson emphasized Dobson’s remorse, stating that he was ashamed of his actions and recognized the impact on his family, particularly his 11-year-old daughter, whom he deeply cares for but no longer sees face-to-face due to the ongoing investigation.
Judge Sara Dodd condemned Dobson’s actions, describing him as ‘depraved’ and accused him of harboring ‘sordid sexual fantasies’.
She pointed out that Dobson believed he was communicating with a minor but continued to pursue a sexualized conversation despite being aware of her true age.
The judge detailed the severity of Dobson’s conduct, noting that he made explicit references to wanting to rape ‘Nelly’ and encouraged her to involve a nine-year-old girl in sexual activities.
She also highlighted Dobson’s offers to buy her gifts, such as a thong, and his attempts to manipulate the situation.
Dobson, who had previously pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child, was sentenced to 14 months in prison.
Additionally, he was placed under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and a 10-year sexual notification requirement.
Judge Dodd concluded her remarks by stating that anyone who contacts a minor under such circumstances should expect to face immediate custody, underscoring the seriousness of Dobson’s offending and the need for stringent legal consequences.
