JOHN SADLER, WIRRAL PAEDOPHILE, TRIES TO CLEAR HIS NAME WHILE IN PRISON

In September 2017, a court dismissed an appeal by John Sadler, a 25-year-old from Wirral, who was sentenced for his involvement in grooming a 13-year-old girl via the internet. Sadler was sentenced in August 2014 at Liverpool Crown Court to five years in prison after being convicted on five counts of sexual activity with a child. He was also designated as a dangerous offender and ordered to serve an additional two-year license period following his release.

Judges described Sadler as "manipulative and calculating," noting that he contacted his young victim online and arranged a series of secret meetings in which he ultimately engaged in sexual acts with her. During one encounter in a public park, the pair had sex, and Sadler persuaded her to perform oral sex, leaving her traumatized and plagued by nightmares.

Sadler’s legal challenge was heard in London’s Appeal Court, where he contested the safety of his convictions. At trial, Sadler denied ever meeting the girl, claiming that his computer password was 'known to others' and that his devices had been hacked. He argued that messages were sent by someone else, leaving him unfairly accused. However, Mr. Justice Phillips, alongside Lord Justice Davis and Mr. Justice Garnham, stated that the jury found the girl’s evidence—including her identification of Sadler—was credible.

The appeal was dismissed, with the court concluding that Sadler’s attempt to reopen questions already—or could have been—argued at trial was unnecessary. Furthermore, Sadler’s efforts included sending representations to the Queen regarding his case. Mr. Justice Phillips emphasized, "These convictions are entirely safe, he has failed to identify a single valid ground," effectively refusing Sadler’s request to overturn his sentence.