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JAMES FRENCH LAINDON GAS METER READER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 4-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BASILDON
In August 2004, James French, a 47-year-old gas meter reader from Laindon, was sentenced to 30 months in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl in her own home in Basildon. French, who openly admitted to being a paedophile and acknowledged that he posed a significant danger to children, had a troubling criminal history that included a prior conviction for importing child pornography into Britain.The incident occurred in June when French visited the girl's residence in Basildon to read the gas meter. At the time, the girl's mother was preparing her for play school and briefly left the room to fetch a hairbrush. During this fleeting absence, French took advantage of the situation and placed his hand inside the girl’s skirt, touching her underwear. French later admitted that he would have gone further if he had not been interrupted by the mother’s return, as stated by prosecutor Richard Potts during the proceedings at Basildon Crown Court.
French, who is married and has two teenage children, expressed remorse and described himself as a paedophile in need of help. He revealed that he had already undergone counselling for his problematic behaviour. French pleaded guilty to the charge of indecent assault, which is now classified as the intentional sexual touching of a young girl.
His legal representative, Miss Heidi Stonecliffe, explained that after his arrest, French was granted bail. She also noted that French told police he admitted to the assault to prevent further trauma to the victim. Additionally, she mentioned that French’s family had received threats due to the intense publicity surrounding the case.
During sentencing, Judge Christopher Mitchell emphasized the potential harm French could cause to children, describing him as a danger to youngsters. The judge ordered that French’s name be permanently registered on the sex offenders’ register, reflecting the severity of his actions and the risk he poses to society.
