BILLY WHEATLEY FROM BROMLEY AND SIDCUP JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Bromley and Sidcup, former police community support officer Billy Wheatley has been sentenced to additional prison time after admitting to heinous crimes involving a young child. Wheatley, aged 25 and residing on Woodlands Avenue in Sidcup, was already serving a five-and-a-half-year sentence for a series of 18 serious offences, including the possession and creation of indecent images of children, as well as filming himself sexually assaulting minors.

The latest development in Wheatley's case came after a new victim stepped forward, motivated by the media coverage surrounding his previous convictions. This victim, a young girl, came forward following Wheatley's initial sentencing in April, which revealed the extent of his depravity. Wheatley had previously been found to possess approximately 69,000 indecent photographs and videos depicting children, a discovery made during his arrest on September 13 of the previous year.

In a court appearance on September 6, Wheatley pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault and sexual touching involving a girl under the age of 14, with the offences spanning from 1998 to 2000. The judge sentenced him to an additional six months behind bars, while leaving eight other charges on file for potential future prosecution. The court's decision underscores the severity of Wheatley's actions and the ongoing efforts to bring justice to his victims.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Gattase, a member of the Metropolitan Police’s Paedophile Unit, emphasized the importance of public awareness in cases like Wheatley's. He stated, “We were keen to publicise Wheatley’s conviction in April because we felt sure there were unidentified victims out there. The very next day, the latest victim came forward and contacted police. Wheatley is a danger to children, and I am pleased we were able to bring more charges against him.”

Wheatley's criminal activities came to light after authorities executed a search warrant at his Sidcup residence on September 12 of the previous year. During the search, officers uncovered a trove of nearly 69,000 indecent images and videos of children stored on his computer. Among the evidence was a file containing footage shot on a mobile phone, showing Wheatley sexually assaulting a young girl estimated to be around five or six years old. Additionally, investigators found nine videos that appeared to have been recorded secretly using a hidden camera, further illustrating Wheatley's predatory behavior.

Following his initial arrest, Wheatley was released on bail but continued to access and create indecent images of children, according to Scotland Yard. His subsequent arrest on November 23 involved charges of sexual assault by penetration, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and voyeurism. During police interviews, Wheatley admitted to knowing the identity of the young girl in the footage and confessed to assaulting her on two previous occasions. He also acknowledged abusing her older brother, who was approximately 13 or 14 years old at the time.

Authorities have urged anyone with additional information or potential victims to come forward. They can contact the Paedophile Unit at 020 7161 3770 or via the mobile number 07827 936642. The case highlights the ongoing threat posed by Wheatley and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from such predators.