AMANDA JAMES FROM BLANDFORD SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD BOY IN BOURNEMOUTH

In a case that has shocked the local community of Blandford and the wider Bournemouth area, Amanda James, a 36-year-old woman residing on Windmill Road in Blandford, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of engaging in a prolonged and predatory sexual relationship with a 13-year-old boy. The court heard that James had been involved with the boy over a span of two years, during which she not only seduced him but also became pregnant, an act that added a deeply disturbing dimension to the case.

James's criminal history includes previous convictions for five counts of indecent assault committed when the victim was between 13 and 15 years old. Her latest conviction was the culmination of a detailed investigation that revealed her manipulative and predatory behavior. Judge John Beashel, presiding over the case at Bournemouth Crown Court, sentenced James to 12 months in prison for each of the charges, to be served concurrently. Additionally, he ordered her to be placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years and prohibited her from working with children in any capacity.

The court was informed that the abuse began when James, during a night when her own children were sleeping upstairs, offered alcohol to the young boy and then initiated sexual activity. The boy, now 17, recounted to the court that he was overwhelmed by fear and shock at the time, feeling as though he just wanted the ordeal to end and to forget what had happened. Despite his initial reactions, the sexual encounters persisted for two years, until James became pregnant. She subsequently had an abortion, a decision that further complicated the case.

The disturbing details emerged after the boy’s mother discovered text messages on his phone, which revealed that he was involved in a sexual relationship with James. James initially denied having sex with the boy, claiming instead that he had a crush on her. However, the evidence and testimonies painted a different picture, leading to her conviction.

In an exclusive interview with the Echo, the now 17-year-old victim shared his ongoing struggles. He expressed that he became convinced the child she was carrying was his own, which led him to seek treatment for depression. He revealed that he turned to alcohol and cannabis as coping mechanisms and even contemplated suicide. The young man bears a long scar on his abdomen, a result of self-harm, highlighting the profound psychological impact of the abuse.

It was also revealed that James had a prior conviction for engaging in sexual activity with a 12-year-old boy, underscoring a pattern of predatory behavior. Her defense attorney, Iain Ross, argued that James suffers from chronic anxiety diagnosed by a psychiatrist and is on medication. Ross suggested that her troubled relationships, often marked by violence, may have contributed to her mental health issues. He posited that her inability to form healthy relationships with peers her own age led her to seek emotional satisfaction from younger boys.

Judge Beashel, in delivering the sentence, emphasized the gravity of James’s actions. He stated, “You corrupted this boy, when you began seducing him. You knew full well when you set about corrupting this boy that you were breaking the law. You are 20 years his senior. You are truly a predator.” The judge also ordered a two-year extended license period following her release, citing concerns that standard license conditions would not be sufficient to prevent her from reoffending.

Overall, the case has left a lasting impact on the community of Blandford and highlights the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable young people from predatory individuals.