WILLIAM MCNEIL SENTENCED IN DERBY FOR PERVERTED LURE OF TEEN AT HIGHFIELD ROAD

In August 2013, William McNeil, a man with a troubling history of sexual offences, was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of luring a 14-year-old boy to his flat in Derby with the promise of pornography and alcohol. The incident unfolded after McNeil, who was known to the teenager as an acquaintance, met him in Derby city centre. The two then traveled together by bus to McNeil's residence on Highfield Road, where the disturbing events took place.

Derby Crown Court was informed that McNeil, aged 49 at the time, had a long-standing record of sexual misconduct. He had previously been convicted of four other sexual offences, with the most recent prior conviction dating back to 2004. In that incident, he encountered a 15-year-old boy on a bus, and after disembarking, engaged in a sexual act with him. McNeil was released from prison in 2011, but his criminal history cast a long shadow over his latest actions.

The court heard that on April 17, 2013, McNeil's predatory behavior culminated in his arrest and subsequent conviction. The court was told that the teenager had approached McNeil in an alleyway off St Peter's Street, asking for a cigarette. McNeil then suggested they go back to his flat to watch pornography. The young boy agreed, and McNeil paid for his bus fare and handed him a bottle of beer. Once at the flat, McNeil played pornographic material and then asked the boy to perform a sex act on him. The boy, distressed by the situation, managed to escape from the flat and flee.

Prosecutor Martin Hurst detailed the sequence of events, emphasizing that McNeil had incited a child to engage in sexual activity. The court was also informed that McNeil admitted to the charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity during the proceedings.

In mitigation, Balraj Bhatia argued that McNeil's actions were not predatory but rather the result of a chance encounter. He pointed out that there were no threats or violence involved, and that McNeil did not attempt to prevent the boy from leaving. Bhatia also highlighted that McNeil viewed himself as a victim of past experiences, which he had not yet addressed due to a lack of counseling. He suggested that McNeil's behavior was a consequence of unresolved issues from his youth.

The court imposed a sentence of three years in prison, along with a five-year extended license period. Recorder Timothy Raggatt QC expressed concern about McNeil's potential danger to young boys in puberty, citing his criminal history and risk factors. He emphasized that the sentence was designed to ensure close monitoring of McNeil until 2021, to prevent any further harm to the public. The judge also made it clear that McNeil would be subject to lifelong registration as a sex offender and must adhere to a sex offences prevention order, which prohibits him from approaching boys in public and entering educational premises for individuals under 16. The court expressed hope that McNeil would participate in programs aimed at addressing his issues and reducing the risk of reoffending.