ANDREW BOLDERSON FROM HEMEL HEMPSTEAD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Andrew Bolderson, a 28-year-old resident of Hemel Hempstead, was convicted of multiple serious offences involving the grooming and sexual exploitation of a young boy from Northamptonshire. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several months, during which Bolderson targeted a vulnerable child, manipulating him into performing sexual acts and creating indecent images.

Bolderson’s criminal activities came to light after the boy’s parents discovered online messages that detailed plans for meetings and explicit exchanges. The messages included disturbing evidence of Bolderson’s intent to meet the child in his hometown, raising grave concerns about the potential for further harm. The police investigation uncovered that Bolderson had been engaging in these activities while he was already on bail for possessing indecent images of children, highlighting a reckless disregard for the safety of minors.

During the court hearing, the prosecution, led by Matthew Lowe, outlined that Bolderson had previously been sentenced to three months in prison in 2009 for possessing indecent images of children. Despite this prior conviction, he continued to engage in illegal activities, which culminated in the recent offences. Officers analyzing his computer found a total of 22 indecent images of children, including four classified in the highest severity category, indicating the seriousness of his offending.

Further evidence presented in court revealed that Bolderson had used online messaging platforms to blackmail the young boy into sending indecent images of himself. This coercive behavior demonstrated a calculated effort to exploit the child's vulnerability for his own gratification. The court heard that Bolderson’s actions posed a significant risk of causing serious harm, prompting the judge, Lynn Tayton, to emphasize the gravity of his conduct.

In sentencing, Bolderson was handed a total of five years in prison. The court sentenced him to one year for possessing indecent images, and an additional four years for the other offences, which are to be served consecutively. Following his release, he will be subject to an extended license period of six years and will be registered on the sex offenders register for life. The judge also ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £120. It is expected that Bolderson will serve at least two-thirds of his prison sentence before being eligible for release, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the risk he poses to society.