BEN WEST FROM RAINHAM SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE IN RAINHAM AND STAFFORD

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Ben West, a 21-year-old resident of Rainham, was sentenced to an indefinite term in prison after being found guilty of heinous crimes involving an 11-year-old girl from Stafford. The incident, which took place in December 2006, involved West engaging in a series of online manipulations and sexual coercion through internet chat rooms, leading to severe psychological trauma for the young victim.

According to court proceedings at Stafford Crown Court, West used the internet as a tool to exploit the innocence of the young girl. He created a disturbing scenario where he made her his 'cam-slave,' forcing her to perform sexual acts in front of a webcam. The court heard that West threatened to infect her computer with viruses if she refused to comply with his demands, a tactic used to intimidate and control her. Despite witnessing her distress, West continued to coerce her into undressing and exposing herself on camera.

The girl, who was only 12 at the time, expressed her fear and distress during the online abuse. When she told West her age, he responded with a chilling remark, saying, “nice, I like them young.” The court was shown evidence that West could see her crying over the webcam, and he continued to direct her to perform indecent acts, including showing her private parts and making inappropriate suggestions. The girl finally managed to refuse further participation when West made a disturbing suggestion involving another family member, leading her to block his contact.

Judge Recorder Mr. Patrick Thomas QC described West’s actions as deeply deviant and dangerous. He emphasized that West’s behavior caused significant psychological harm to the young girl, with her mother providing a victim impact statement that painted a heartbreaking picture of her daughter’s changed demeanor. The mother stated, “She is not the same little girl, it is heartbreaking. Since this happened, she comes for cuddles and wants to be held. She cries at the slightest thing.”

In sentencing, West was given a sentence for public protection, which mandates a minimum of two years behind bars. However, he will only be released once the parole board determines he is no longer a threat to the public. Additionally, West was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was banned from working with children in any capacity.

The court also heard that West’s actions had inflicted lasting psychological damage on the girl. Her family, who cannot be named for legal reasons, revealed that they took matters into their own hands after experiencing frustration with police response. They tracked West down themselves after police initially appeared indifferent, using his IP address to locate him within two days of their investigation. The girl’s mother recounted how her daughter was brought to tears, recounting threats made by West and showing the emails he sent her after she blocked him. The family expressed their frustration with the police’s initial attitude, criticizing the perceived lack of urgency and the police’s claim that West could not be traced because he was likely abroad.

Both the girl’s mother and grandmother emphasized the dangers of online platforms like MSN Messenger, which they believe are more perilous than many parents realize. The mother advised other parents to be cautious, even suggesting that children should not have webcams due to the risks involved.

Prosecutor Jerry Quirke highlighted that the girl’s parents had only recently enabled her to access the internet to chat with friends, but she was naive enough to accept a message from West, which led to the abuse. West then manipulated her into turning on her webcam and performing acts she was uncomfortable with, including pulling down her trousers and attempting to change her clothing. He also threatened to destroy her computer with viruses if she did not cooperate.

During the trial, West’s defense lawyer, Aisha Khan, stated that her client had shown genuine remorse. She quoted West’s own words after reading the victim’s statement, where he expressed disbelief and shame over his actions, saying, “I can’t believe I put her through this. I can’t believe I have taken away her freedom. I am ashamed and disgusted with myself.” The court’s decision reflects the severity of his crimes and the lasting impact on the young victim and her family.