JIMMY DAWES FROM SHINFIELD SENTENCED AFTER PLOTTING TO MEET CHILD NEAR READING

In January 2019, a man residing in Shinfield, a village near Reading, was handed a significant legal sentence after attempting to arrange a meeting with a minor with the intent of committing sexual offences. The arrest and subsequent conviction followed a thorough investigation conducted by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), a specialized police division tasked with combating serious and organized crime across the southeastern region of England.

Jimmy Dawes, aged 47 and living on Skylark Way in Shinfield, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, though the sentence was suspended for two years. This decision was made during a court hearing held at Reading Crown Court on Friday, January 11. The court's ruling came after Dawes had already pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to meet a girl under the age of 16 following grooming activities. This plea was entered at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court in Slough on November 19, 2018.

His arrest was the culmination of an intelligence-led operation by SEROCU, which is known for its focus on tackling serious and organized crime in the southeast of England. The investigation revealed that Dawes had engaged in online grooming activities with the intent of meeting a minor, which led to his arrest and subsequent prosecution. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to protect children from exploitation and to bring offenders to justice. The court's decision reflects the seriousness with which such crimes are treated and highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive policing in safeguarding vulnerable individuals in communities like Shinfield and beyond.