JAMES FLEET FROM BANGOR SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND INDECENT IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the community of Bangor, James Fleet, a 22-year-old former student at Bangor University, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for a series of serious offenses involving a 13-year-old girl. The incident dates back to April 2004, when Fleet, then 20 years old, engaged in a disturbing online grooming process that ultimately led to sexual contact with the young girl.

According to court records presented at Winchester Crown Court, Fleet met the girl through an internet chat room. The court heard that he initially denied having any sexual contact with her when questioned by police, and was cautioned and subsequently released. However, the evidence revealed a pattern of manipulative behavior, including Fleet urging the girl to send indecent photographs of herself via her parents' webcam, which he then exploited for his own gratification.

Further investigations uncovered that Fleet had abducted the girl, and he was charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of sexual activity with a minor and five counts of producing indecent images of her. The court was also informed that Fleet had previously been convicted of possessing indecent images of children on his university computer, for which he received a two-year community rehabilitation order.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Guy Boney QC made it clear that Fleet's interest in the girl was purely sexual and not romantic. The judge emphasized that Fleet exhibited a clear sexual interest in children, despite his initial denial. The court's findings underscored the severity of his actions and the danger he posed to minors.

As part of his punishment, Fleet was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. Additionally, he will be subject to a three-and-a-half-year period of supervision on license following his release. The court also imposed a lifelong ban on Fleet working with children, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses and the potential risk he poses to society.

In conclusion, the case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding online grooming and the importance of stringent legal measures to protect vulnerable minors from exploitation. The community of Bangor is left to grapple with the implications of this case, which underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.