CHRISTOPHER PENNINGTON FROM EVESHAM FACES JAIL OVER CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN WORCESTER

In a case that has shocked the local community of Evesham, Christopher Pennington, aged 39, has been found guilty of multiple serious charges related to the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. The investigation, carried out by West Mercia Police, culminated in Pennington's conviction and subsequent sentencing at Worcester Crown Court.

On August 11, 2017, Pennington was sentenced to a term of five years and nine months in prison after he pleaded guilty to six separate charges. These included the sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, attempting to arrange a meeting with the intent to sexually assault a minor, possessing indecent images of children, and distributing such images. The court also mandated that Pennington be placed on the sex offender register for life and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that remains in effect until further notice.

The charges stem from a series of disturbing incidents that came to light following an undercover police operation. Earlier in July 2017, Pennington was caught by an undercover officer attempting to engage in illegal activities involving minors. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Pennington, who resides on Chapel Lane in Aldington, Evesham, had tried to arrange a sexual offence against an eight-year-old girl through online communications. This attempt was part of a sting operation, as the police had set up a fake online profile to monitor his activities.

In addition to the online attempt, Pennington admitted to sexually assaulting a young girl in August of the previous year. His criminal record also includes the downloading of 163 indecent images of children between August 13 of the previous year and April 28 of this year. Furthermore, he confessed to distributing one indecent image of a child, adding to the severity of his offenses.

Judge Robert Juckes, QC, ordered a pre-sentence report to evaluate the potential danger Pennington poses to the public, especially to children. The court heard that Pennington had appeared via video link to plead guilty to all charges and that a probation report was necessary to assess his dangerousness. The judge warned Pennington that he would likely face a custodial sentence when he next appears before the court, scheduled for Friday, August 4. The case has raised significant concern among residents of Evesham and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predators.