COLLIN FLATT SHOCKS PORTSMOUTH WITH YEARS OF CHILD ABUSE AND DECEPTION
A man named Collin Flatt, aged 40, has been sentenced to four years in prison following a series of disturbing allegations involving the abuse of a young boy in Portsmouth.The court heard that Flatt engaged in over a year and a half of inappropriate and harmful conduct towards a boy who was between 13 and 14 years old during the period from 2014 into 2015.
During the proceedings at Portsmouth Crown Court, it was revealed that Flatt attempted to manipulate the narrative during police interviews by attempting to shift blame onto the victim.
He claimed that the acts were merely "just a bit of fun" and reassured the boy with the words, "we won’t tell anyone," in an effort to downplay the severity of his actions and to conceal the abuse.
Furthermore, Flatt made a disturbing attempt to justify his behavior by asserting mutual guilt.
He told investigators, "I know what he's doing is wrong so I’m as guilty as him," suggesting that he believed the boy shared responsibility for the acts, which was a clear attempt to diminish his own culpability.
The abuse only came to light after a third-party intervened by setting up a hidden camera, which captured evidence of Flatt’s misconduct.
This crucial footage led to his arrest and subsequent charges.
In court, Flatt pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as failing to comply with notification requirements, which are part of the legal obligations for sex offenders.
The judge, Ian Pearson, responded to the gravity of the case by imposing a series of stringent measures.
These included a 15-year sex offender prevention order, lifelong registration on the sex offenders’ register, and restrictions on his access to children, aiming to prevent any future harm.
This case highlights the serious nature of child abuse and the importance of vigilance and intervention to protect vulnerable minors in communities like Portsmouth.
