EPSON PAEDOPHILE IAN JAKINGS SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR ONLINE GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENCES

In a significant case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilant law enforcement, Ian Jakings, a 28-year-old man from Epsom, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after admitting to multiple serious offences involving minors. The case underscores the disturbing extent of his predatory behavior, which spanned several years and involved grooming teenagers through online platforms.

Jakings was found to have engaged with children aged between 12 and 15 in various online chatrooms dedicated to teenagers. During these interactions, he systematically groomed his victims, attempting to persuade them to perform sexual acts on camera for his gratification. Evidence uncovered by police revealed that Jakings had been involved in such activities as early as 2011, indicating a long history of offending behavior.

Surrey Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team executed a raid on Jakings’ residence on June 21, 2017. He was promptly arrested and charged with seven separate offences related to his online activities and interactions with minors. Following his arrest, Jakings was remanded in custody as the investigation continued. It was also revealed that in 2011, Jakings was arrested by South Yorkshire Police for grooming and sexual offences against a 13-year-old girl. However, he managed to persuade her not to cooperate with authorities, which prevented the police from securing sufficient evidence to charge him at that time. The girl later assisted Surrey Police in their ongoing investigation, providing crucial testimony that contributed to the case against him.

Detective Constable Stephen Bosel commented on the case, emphasizing the sensitivity and importance of the victims’ bravery. He stated, “This is a very sensitive subject for the victims and I commend how brave they were in talking to us, despite the fact some of the offences date back multiple years. They should be proud that they have enabled us to bring this man to justice and prevent him from preying on other victims.”

Authorities also released excerpts from the transcripts of Jakings’ conversations with his victims, which clearly demonstrated his awareness that they were underage. In one such exchange, he asked a 13-year-old girl to be his girlfriend, then proposed a “friends with benefits” arrangement, and later expressed a desire to be with her physically, saying, “wish I was f****** u right now.”

Another transcript revealed him calling a girl, who mentioned she was in year eight at school, “sexy,” and admitted that her profile made him “so horny.” At one point, he suggested they should keep their relationship discreet, saying, “We would probably have to be discreet though, we might think age is just a number, but most other people dont lol xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.”

Jakings pleaded guilty at Guildford Crown Court on January 29 to multiple charges, including two counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of causing and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in front of a child. His sentencing took place on March 23, where he was handed an eight-year and four-month prison term. Additionally, he will be subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be registered on the sex offenders register for life, marking a significant step in safeguarding potential future victims.