JAMES HEWLETT SENTENCED IN TENBURY WELLS AND WORCESTER FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the local community, James Hewlett, a 56-year-old man from Carlisle Road, Ronkswood, Worcester, has been sentenced to a significant prison term following his conviction on serious charges related to child sexual exploitation and indecency. The incidents came to light after police investigations revealed Hewlett's disturbing online activities involving a 15-year-old girl from Worcester, which ultimately led to his arrest and subsequent conviction.

Hewlett was found guilty of two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of possessing indecent images of the same underage girl. These images were taken during webcam chats, and the case highlighted the dangers of online grooming and exploitation. The court heard that Hewlett had exchanged approximately 400 messages with the victim between December 28 of the previous year and January 2 of the current year, demonstrating a sustained pattern of inappropriate communication.

The case was brought to the attention of authorities after the victim’s mother discovered her daughter communicating with Hewlett via FaceTime. The mother, who had previously confiscated her daughter’s mobile phone, was alarmed to find her daughter still in contact with Hewlett through a second device. The police investigation revealed that Hewlett had asked the girl to remove her clothes via Skype and was aware that photographs of her naked had been taken, despite her protests and warnings not to do so.

Prosecutor Abigail Nixon explained that Hewlett had attempted to persuade the girl to meet him in person, despite her refusal and her explanation that her parents would not allow it. Hewlett’s persistence included threats to show her the explicit photographs he had taken, effectively attempting to blackmail her. The victim later provided a personal statement, revealing her fear and anxiety following the incident. She stated that she was scared to leave her house and was frightened of encountering Hewlett, which had a detrimental effect on her mental health and academic performance, including her GCSE results.

During the sentencing hearing at Worcester Crown Court, Judge Robert Juckes QC expressed strong disapproval of Hewlett’s actions. He emphasized the public’s abhorrence of such offences and highlighted the significant age disparity between Hewlett and his young victim. The judge remarked that the impact on the girl was predictable and that her self-confidence had been severely damaged. He also pointed out that Hewlett’s attempt to blackmail her using the photographs was a serious aggravating factor.

Hewlett was sentenced to four years in prison for each of the counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, he received a nine-month sentence for possessing indecent images at Category A and a three-month sentence for images at Category B. All sentences are to be served concurrently. Furthermore, Hewlett was subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from having contact with children aged 11 to 16. He is also required to sign the sex offender’s register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and restrictions.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for protective measures against online exploitation, especially involving minors. The community and authorities continue to work together to prevent such heinous crimes and to support victims in their recovery.