JONATHON BLACKWELL DROITWICH PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AND OUTBURST AT HMP HEWELL

In December 2018, Jonathon Blackwell, a known sex offender from Droitwich, was subjected to a lengthy and serious prison sentence following a series of disturbing criminal behaviors, including sexual assault and a violent outburst during a court hearing. The case, heard at Worcester Crown Court, revealed a pattern of predatory conduct and a dangerous attitude towards young girls, prompting the judge to impose a significant custodial sentence and extended supervision.

Blackwell, aged 24 at the time, had a history of sexual offenses involving minors, including a previous conviction for four counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16, which involved penetration. His earlier crimes, committed between 2011 and 2013 when he was between 16 and 18 years old, involved contact with three girls aged 12 to 14, whom he contacted via Facebook and through acquaintances at a school. One of these incidents involved inviting a girl to his home, pinning her against a wall, and attempting to kiss her, as detailed by the prosecution.

In April of the same year, Blackwell committed a sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl. The court heard that he waited until no adults were present before touching her inappropriately. The girl recounted that Blackwell put her on his lap, kissed her neck, and touched her under her jumper, as well as her bottom and private parts over her clothing. Despite her attempts to resist, Blackwell made inappropriate comments, telling her, “you know you love me,” after touching her. After the assault, he acted as if nothing had happened, returning her to her previous position before any adults re-entered the room.

Blackwell’s criminal record also includes a 2015 jail sentence of three years, which was activated after his earlier suspended sentence was revoked. This sentence was further extended by an additional 12 months for meeting a girl following grooming and breaching a sexual harm prevention order. He had contacted a 13-year-old girl online, sent her messages, and arranged to meet her with the apparent intention of engaging in sexual activity. His behavior was deemed highly concerning, especially considering he was due for release on license in August 2016 but served the entire sentence instead.

His conduct further deteriorated when he made threats to kill his probation officer, leading to his arrest at the prison gates upon release. Subsequently, he was convicted of assaulting a police officer and using threatening behavior. Blackwell was released from prison on February 21 of the previous year, only to be rearrested shortly after for the sexual assault on the 14-year-old girl.

During the court proceedings, Blackwell’s behavior was notably disruptive. The prison videolink from HMP Hewell was abruptly cut when he threw a tantrum in the prison booth, shouting and struggling with officers. He swore at the judge, calling the assault “only a touch,” and expressed his frustration by swinging a chair at prison officers. At one point, he attempted to lift a table, but the furniture was fixed to the floor, preventing him from doing so. Throughout the hearing, he appeared on a large screen, slumped forward with his head on his arms, and at times laughed and tapped the microphone, displaying a clear lack of remorse.

Judge Robert Juckes QC sentenced Blackwell to 26 months in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the danger he posed to the community. An extended license period of five years was added, bringing the total supervision period to over seven years. The judge highlighted that Blackwell’s behavior demonstrated he could not be trusted around young girls and that he remained a significant risk to children. Blackwell was also subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which was amended as part of his sentencing. He will not be eligible for release until he has served at least two-thirds of his sentence, and even then, release will depend on assessments of his safety and rehabilitation.

In a related case from August 2014, Blackwell, then 19, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16, after pressuring her in a wooded area on Ombersley Road, Droitwich. The court heard that he used emotional blackmail, threatening to kill himself if she did not comply. Despite his immaturity, the court recognized that he was aware of her underage status. He received a two-year suspended sentence, along with 200 hours of unpaid work, a five-year ban on unsupervised contact with girls under 16, and a 10-year registration as a sex offender. The judge described his actions as very wrong and emphasized the importance of supervision and monitoring to prevent further harm.

Overall, the case of Jonathon Blackwell underscores the ongoing concerns about individuals with a history of sexual offenses and their potential threat to society, especially to vulnerable minors. His recent outburst and the severity of his latest crimes have led to a substantial custodial sentence, with extended supervision designed to protect the community from future harm.