DAVID CHAPMAN BIDFORD PERVERT SENTENCED FOR ONLINE CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN WARWICK

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Bidford, a local man named David Chapman has been handed a substantial prison sentence after being found guilty of serious online child sex offences. The incident, which spans several years and involves disturbing online activities, culminated in Chapman's appearance before Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday, 11 August.

Chapman, aged 33 and residing on Waterloo Road in Bidford, pleaded guilty in March to multiple charges related to the distribution and creation of indecent images of children. Specifically, he admitted to distributing images classified as Category A, B, and C, as well as making such images himself. Additionally, he confessed to inciting a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity, an offence that involved direct contact via the internet.

The offences took place over a period from 2015 to 2017, with the most alarming aspect being Chapman's attempt to contact a schoolgirl in the United States. This international element added a layer of complexity to the case, highlighting the global reach of online predators and the importance of international cooperation in tackling such crimes.

Chapman’s arrest was triggered by intelligence received from an internet service provider, which flagged suspicious activity linked to his online accounts. Following this tip-off, police officers from the local force moved swiftly to apprehend him in March 2018. The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of behaviour, with evidence pointing to his involvement in the distribution and creation of illegal images, as well as attempts to groom a minor across borders.

During the court proceedings, the judge sentenced Chapman to four years and six months in prison. The court also ordered him to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities post-release. Furthermore, Chapman was issued with Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, which impose strict conditions to prevent further offending. As part of the sentence, he was also required to pay a victim surcharge, contributing to support services for victims of such crimes.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals from predators operating in the digital space. The community of Bidford can now be assured that justice has been served, and measures are in place to prevent future offences by individuals like David Chapman.