PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED AFTER PUBLIC ABUSE
An investigator has commended a five-year-old child for demonstrating 'immense courage' in giving evidence against a dangerous paedophile who assaulted him in broad daylight in Bracknell.Casey Bond, 22, residing in Highfield, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court at the end of March.
Bond was caught in the act of inappropriate touching in May 2023, with the incident observed by a Good Samaritan who subsequently reported it to the child's parents, leading to police involvement.
Judge Rachel Drake described Bond as a dangerous sex offender during sentencing.
Bond had previously been investigated for indecent communications with online 'paedophile hunters' in 2021.
These hunters posed as children and engaged with Bond on social media, during which he sent videos of himself masturbating.
Bond pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sexual communication with a child, attempting to incite a child to engage in penetrative sexual activity, sexual assault on a child under 13, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Judge Drake cited DNA evidence found on the victim's underwear as supporting the case.
Detective Constable Stacey Bushell from Loddon Valley CID stated that Bond has shown no genuine remorse.
She praised the child's bravery in exposing the abuse and commended the victim's family for their strength while supporting justice.
She indicated that Bond exploited the child's trust and that the incident was witnessed by a bystander who helped alert authorities.
Despite his guilty plea, Bond's lack of remorse has caused significant distress to the victim's family.
The judge emphasised that Bond is a dangerous individual, and his removal from society serves as a warning that child offenses will be dealt with robustly.
Thames Valley Police pledged to continue working with victims to prosecute child sexual offenders and ensure public safety.
