JAMES BLACKBOURNE SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEX OFFENCES IN SPALDING

In a case that has shocked the community of Spalding, James Blackbourne, a 39-year-old man, was handed a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple historic sexual offences involving two young victims. The conviction was secured following a trial at Lincoln Crown Court, where the court heard disturbing details about Blackbourne's actions that spanned several years and involved victims of both genders.

Blackbourne, formerly residing on Green Lane in Spalding, was convicted of attempting to rape a boy under the age of 13. The incident was alleged to have taken place when Blackbourne was approximately 18 years old. The court also found him guilty of two counts of indecent assault on the same male victim, with these offences occurring when Blackbourne was just 16 years old. These assaults reportedly happened on no fewer than three separate occasions, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior during his adolescence.

During the proceedings, an impact statement was read aloud in court by the victim, who expressed the profound and lasting effects of the abuse. The victim described the two-week trial as an incredibly difficult experience but conveyed a sense of hope for the future. He stated, “What he did to me affected my whole life,” emphasizing the deep psychological scars left by Blackbourne’s actions. The victim also voiced his anger and frustration, saying, “I cannot describe the anger about what he has done,” and added, “The abuse never ends. I want him to be punished for what he has done.”

In addition to the male victim, Blackbourne was also convicted of two counts of indecent assault against a young girl. These offences took place when he was aged between 18 and 20, and the second victim shared her own story of resilience. She described the relief she felt when finally being able to speak out, saying, “Being given the opportunity to finally tell someone was like a heavyweight being lifted off my shoulders.”

Following the verdicts earlier this year, Blackbourne was remanded into custody to await sentencing. The court acknowledged that some of the offences occurred nearly two decades ago, and that Blackbourne was a youth at the time of some of the incidents. Prosecutor Tony Stanford pointed out that Blackbourne had previously moved to Spalding after a prior incident where he accepted a police caution, indicating a history of concerning behavior.

Judge James House KC presided over the sentencing, noting the emotional testimony of the attempted rape victim and the severe psychological harm he endured. The judge remarked that Blackbourne’s sexual interest in young children was evident and emphasized the lifelong impact of abuse on victims. “Children who are the victims of abuse carry it forever,” Judge House stated.

As part of his sentence, Blackbourne was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Additionally, he will serve an extended licence period of 12 months upon release and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will last for ten years. He is also required to register as a sex offender for life and is under a restraining order that prohibits any future contact with his victims, ensuring their protection moving forward.