JAMES SILLS FROM KETTERING CAUGHT FOLLOWING WOMAN IN SHOCKING INCIDENT

In a concerning incident that unfolded in Kettering, a convicted sex offender named James Sills was caught following a lone woman late at night, prompting swift action from vigilant community volunteers. The incident took place in the early hours, when Sills was observed on CCTV maintaining a suspicious proximity to the woman, closely tailing her as she moved through the streets. This behavior was particularly alarming given Sills’s prior convictions and the court order prohibiting him from engaging in such conduct.

Members of the Kettering Street Pastors, a group of dedicated volunteers patrolling the area, noticed Sills’s suspicious actions. They kept a discreet watch on his movements, aware that he was violating the court’s restrictions. Their vigilance paid off when they observed Sills turning around and ceasing his pursuit once he realized he was being monitored. Their quick response and careful observation potentially prevented a serious incident from occurring.

On Friday, June 23, Sills, aged 36 and residing on London Road, was detained by police and subsequently remanded in custody. Authorities credited the volunteers’ proactive efforts with possibly averting a sexual assault. The incident was brought before Northampton Crown Court, where it was revealed that Sills had been subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order since 2016, which explicitly barred him from following or approaching women.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Quiana Fitzpatrick detailed how Sills was seen sitting on a town centre bench at around 2 a.m., pretending to be engaged with his phone. Moments later, he noticed a lone woman and began to follow her, walking behind her and then crossing the street to keep pace. CCTV footage and reports from the PT Alpha first aid team confirmed his suspicious behavior. The street pastors, meanwhile, continued to monitor the situation from a safe distance, ensuring the woman’s safety without risking confrontation.

Further into the incident, Sills was observed turning around but was later seen by police officers following two young females at a rapid pace, walking very quickly behind them. His actions led to his arrest, during which he admitted to breaching the sexual harm prevention order on two counts. Sills’s criminal record includes 17 offences, notably stalking and sexual assault, which underscores the seriousness of his violations.

Previously, Sills received a suspended sentence in 2022 for breaching a court order, which mandated that the sentence be activated unless deemed unjust. However, Judge Crane, presiding over the case, stated that there was no injustice in this situation and proceeded with a more severe penalty. Sills was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with the court ordering that he serve half of this term in custody before being released on licence, reflecting the gravity of his repeated breaches and the potential risk he posed to the community.