HIGH WYCOMBE MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL GROOMING OF CHILD

A 34-year-old man named John Whitmore has been sentenced to one year in jail after being convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a child. At Aylesbury Crown Court on Thursday, May 16, Whitmore pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a minor, obstructing or resisting a police officer, driving without a license, and operating a vehicle without insurance. He was found to have met or communicated with a girl under 16 between January 1 and January 10, 2022, while not genuinely believing she was over 16. Whitmore arranged to meet her and intentionally did so, with the victim traveling with the intent to meet him, which was deemed to be sexual grooming. Further, it was discovered that Whitmore had malicious intentions regarding the girl. Two years later, on January 10, 2024, Whitmore was driving on London Road in High Wycombe without a license or insurance. He resisted an officer during his arrest and was charged on January 16, 2024. He was sentenced to a year in prison and ordered to comply with a five-year restraining order. Detective Constable Hannah Csumrik, who led the investigation, stated, “Whitmore made regular concerted attempts to engage in inappropriate activity with a child, who he knew was under the age of 16. He communicated often and attempted to meet her, indicating sexual grooming behavior. I am pleased he pleaded guilty and received a prison sentence. We will always pursue justice for such offenses and thank the victim for her support.”