CHRISTOPHER JAMES CAUGHT IN SOUTH CREAKE BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS TRYING TO MEET TEEN GIRLS NEAR FAKENHAM

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing threat posed by online predators, Christopher James, a 46-year-old man from The Common, South Creake, near Fakenham, was caught in a sting operation conducted by vigilant paedophile hunters. The incident, which took place in 2018 but culminated in court proceedings in January 2020, involved James attempting to establish inappropriate contact with underage girls through social media platforms.

According to the evidence presented at Norwich Crown Court, James had been actively trying to communicate with four teenage girls, aged 13 and 14, via Facebook. However, it was revealed that these profiles were not genuine; they had been created by a group of paedophile hunters aiming to catch individuals seeking to exploit minors. The prosecution, led by Chris Youell, explained that James had asked these fake profiles for explicit photographs and had made lewd and suggestive comments during their conversations.

Despite his requests and inappropriate remarks, James was advised by the fake profiles to delete their chats, with him claiming that he could face legal trouble if caught. Importantly, there was no evidence to suggest that James ever intended to meet the girls in person. Instead, the vigilante group took further steps by creating another profile, this time featuring a photograph of a 24-year-old woman, to lure him into a trap.

In this subsequent interaction, James expressed interest in the woman, describing her as “sexy,” and agreed to meet her at Millers Walk car park in Fakenham during August 2018. The paedophile hunters promptly alerted the police, revealing that James had been planning to meet a 12-year-old girl. Law enforcement officers responded swiftly, arresting James and confiscating his phone for evidence.

During the court proceedings, James admitted to four counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor during July and August 2018. The court heard that his actions were part of a disturbing pattern of behaviour aimed at minors, which Judge Katharine Moore described as “very serious.” She emphasized that James believed he was communicating with young teenage girls, asking them to send explicit images and perform sexual acts.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Moore expressed her concern about the potential danger posed by James’s actions but also indicated a desire to prevent further offences. As a result, she imposed a three-year community order, which includes a requirement for him to participate in 40 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, James was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for five years and was given a five-year sexual harm prevention order. This order restricts his use of the internet and other electronic devices, aiming to prevent him from reoffending and ensuring public safety.