JOHN RENDER GROOMED BRADFORD BOY FOR SEX IN CHILDREN'S DEN

In October 2007, Bradford Crown Court heard a disturbing case involving John Render, a 24-year-old man from Kingsdale Crescent, Bradford, who was convicted of grooming and sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy. The court was informed that Render engaged in a series of manipulative and predatory behaviors aimed at the young victim, including playing a game known as 'strip darts' in a children’s den, which served as a setting for his inappropriate actions.

Render’s actions were characterized by a troubling pattern of grooming, as he gradually escalated from seemingly innocent games to more serious sexual misconduct. The court heard that Render, who was grappling with confusion about his own sexuality at the time, physically assaulted the boy inside the den. The abuse involved touching the child's genitals underneath his clothing, and the game of 'strip darts' involved removing clothing whenever a player hit the bullseye, further blurring the lines between play and abuse.

Prosecutor Gavin Howie revealed that Render also admitted to playing 'dirty dares' with a 14-year-old boy, indicating a pattern of risky and inappropriate behavior involving minors. The police investigation was triggered after information was received from other boys, leading to Render’s arrest. During police interviews, Render explained that the activities started as dares among friends but eventually 'went too far,' as he claimed an uncontrollable force overtook him.

Further details emerged about the nature of the abuse, including that Render committed oral rape on the 10-year-old victim. The court was told that Render and the boys would often go to the den to escape prying eyes, and inside, they engaged in dangerous games that involved removing clothing. The sexual assault was described as involving touching the boy’s genitals beneath his clothing, with Render’s actions being both calculated and deliberate.

Judge Roger Scott, presiding over the case, emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, noting that there was clear evidence of grooming—a process involving a gradual progression from minor to more severe acts. The judge described Render’s behavior as premeditated, with a long-term plan, and expressed concern about the risk he posed to children if released. He stated, 'There is an element of grooming in this case. There was a gradual movement from one form of activity to another. It was premeditated and determined, and you had a longish-term plan.'

Judge Scott ordered that Render serve a minimum of three years and three months in prison before being considered for parole, but warned that this period could be extended if he was deemed still a threat to the public. The court also noted that Render had attempted suicide twice since his arrest, prompting prison staff to be alerted to his mental health issues.

In mitigation, Render’s defense lawyer, Jeremy Lindsay, stated that his client had struggled with his own sexuality and was deeply ashamed of his actions. The court was told that no force, threats, or inducements were used, and that the victims had expressed remorse for Render. Nevertheless, Render was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, placed under an indefinite Sexual Offenders Prevention Order, and banned for life from working with children, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the need for ongoing public protection.