JONPAUL WISEMAN OF MURTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN DURHAM

In a case that has shocked the community of Murton and the wider Durham area, Jonpaul Wiseman, a 25-year-old man from Beech Avenue, Murton, was convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incident dates back to March 2014, when Wiseman, who was then 24, engaged in a disturbing series of online interactions that culminated in a sexual encounter with a 12-year-old girl.

According to court proceedings, Wiseman had initially reached out to multiple women and girls through the internet, seeking a casual partner for what he described as a 'final fling' before settling down with his long-term girlfriend. At the time, his partner was pregnant with their first child, adding a layer of personal complexity to his actions. The court heard that Wiseman used the alias ‘Lee Smithy’ on Facebook, a profile he employed to communicate with his victims.

The criminal case revealed that Wiseman arranged to meet the young girl after befriending her online. Their meetings took place in Durham, and during their second encounter, sexual activity occurred. The court was told that this took place on a grassy area, and that Wiseman had severed all contact with the girl immediately afterward. In a clear attempt to cover his tracks, he deactivated the Facebook account associated with the alias ‘Lee Smithy’ shortly after the incident.

The girl confided in her friends at school about what had transpired, and her disclosures eventually reached the attention of school staff. The following day, she told her friends that she had been approached and manipulated by a stranger, but later, police investigations revealed that she and her friend had been in contact with Wiseman via Facebook. Evidence showed that she had sent him a topless photograph of herself, to which Wiseman responded by sending a picture of his private parts. Prosecutor Joanne Kidd explained that Wiseman had “coerced rather than intimidated” the girl into sexual activity, but emphasized that due to her age, she was legally unable to give consent.

Further investigation traced the ‘Lee Smithy’ Facebook account back to Wiseman’s residence. Despite initial denials, Wiseman admitted guilt during his first police interview and subsequent court appearance. His actions were deemed a serious breach of trust and legality.

At Durham Crown Court, Wiseman pleaded guilty to charges of raping the girl and possessing an indecent photograph of a child. Judge Robert Adams sentenced him to six years and three months in prison. The judge highlighted the profound and lasting impact of Wiseman’s actions on the victim, describing the case as one with devastating consequences. Additionally, Wiseman was placed under a lifelong sexual offences prevention order, which restricts any future contact with individuals under the age of 16. He was also mandated to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.