JAMES JACKLIN AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENCES IN SCUNTHORPE AND DERBY

A man named James Jacklin, previously residing in Scunthorpe, has been handed an eight-year prison sentence after being convicted of a series of serious sexual offences targeted at women in Derby and related offences while on bail. The court proceedings revealed that Jacklin, aged 26, had intentionally preyed on three women, exploiting their vulnerability on separate occasions between July and October of 2017.

During the trial at Derby Crown Court, a jury found Jacklin guilty on multiple counts, including two charges of assault by penetration and one count of sexual touching. Despite denying the allegations, the evidence presented was enough to secure a conviction, and Jacklin now faces a significant prison term. Victims' statements shared during the sentencing process painted a distressing picture of the lasting trauma inflicted by his actions. One victim described how she continues to experience nightmares; another detailed flashbacks and the struggle to regain her confidence after the assault.

Legal records indicate that Jacklin was under bail conditions for his initial offence when he committed his second offence, further demonstrating a troubling pattern of predatory behavior despite legal restraints. The assaults occurred in Derby throughout the latter part of 2017, with the court hearing that Jacklin took advantage of his victims' vulnerable states. Prosecutor Mark Watson recounted that Jacklin had placed his hand inside a victim’s bra and targeted a woman who was heavily intoxicated and unable to defend herself.

The court also heard that the third woman, whose detailed circumstances were consistent with vulnerability, became another target during this period. One victim expressed how the experience shattered her self-confidence and led to difficulties in everyday activities, including anxiety about moving around Derby and experiencing flashbacks. She noted her initial flinching reactions when her partner tried to touch her, although she has since found some comfort through her relationship.

Another victim's testimony revealed how the ordeal led to extensive personal repercussions, including leaving her job, suffering from anxiety, weight loss, and ongoing therapy to cope with the psychological scars of Jacklin’s actions. She described waking up repeatedly with nightmares, illustrating the traumatic impact that the offenses had on her mental health.

During sentencing, defense solicitor Edna Leonard emphasized that Jacklin had no prior criminal history and had recently returned to Scunthorpe to live with his parents at the time of the trial, which was a shock to both him and his family. Leonard highlighted that Jacklin had been a hardworking individual since leaving school and suggested that the experience of custody was a significant and immediate shock.

Judge Jonathan Bennett addressed the court, underlining the severity of the offences. He described the three offences as “serious” and emphasized that Jacklin's actions demonstrated a concerning degree of arrogance, especially given his lack of previous sexual convictions. The judge pointed out that all victims were intoxicated during the assaults and that one was particularly vulnerable and unwell.

The judge also acknowledged that Jacklin’s actions showed a pattern of offending, noting that he was arrested in July 2017 and, after being released on bail, committed the subsequent offences. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Bennett issued an indefinite restraining order forbidding Jacklin from contacting or approaching the victims in any capacity.

Detective Constable Leah Conner of Derbyshire police, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of the victims. She expressed hope that the sentence would help them move past their traumatic experiences, and reassured the public that Jacklin has been removed from the community, preventing him from causing further harm.

Overall, the case underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and holding offenders accountable for their actions, with the lengthy imprisonment serving as a significant measure of justice for those affected by Jacklin’s crimes.