MARK BLOOMFIELD FROM ASPLEY SENTENCED FOR ONLINE SEXUAL OFFENSES IN GREAT YARMOUTH AND ROMFORD

In a serious case that highlights the dangers of online predators, Mark Bloomfield, aged 34 and residing in Aspley, has been sentenced to prison after engaging in inappropriate and illegal online communications with a person he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. The incident came to light through an investigation conducted by a freelance journalist posing as a minor, which uncovered disturbing evidence of Bloomfield's intentions and actions.

According to court proceedings, Bloomfield used a web chat room titled "no adults," which was intended to be a space exclusively for minors, as the platform's name suggests. The Nottingham Crown Court heard that in May 2009, Bloomfield initiated contact with the journalist, who was working undercover under a female pseudonym. During their online exchanges, Bloomfield made explicit sexual comments and requested photographs, offering to pay £100 if she would send a picture and even asked if she would pose for him. His conversations revealed a clear interest in sexual activity involving a minor, with further discussions about touching her and plans to meet in July of that year, suggesting that a friend could accompany him.

Once the journalist reported these findings to the News of the World and the police, authorities acted swiftly. Bloomfield was arrested at his residence in Aspley, but at the time of arrest, he was living at Coronation Terrace in Great Yarmouth. During the court hearing, Bloomfield pleaded guilty to five charges related to causing or inciting a female under 16 to engage in sexual activity. The judge, Andrew Hamilton, sentenced him to two years in prison. Additionally, upon release, Bloomfield will be required to register as a sex offender for ten years and will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which imposes restrictions on his activities.

The court also learned that Bloomfield had a prior caution in 2004 for possessing indecent images of children, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior. The judge emphasized that Bloomfield's actions were driven by a sexual interest in young girls, which he pursued through online platforms. The court noted that Bloomfield believed he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl, and over five separate occasions, he attempted to incite her to perform various acts, including encouraging her to see what her interest was and how much money he could offer to persuade her.

During the arrest, Bloomfield had the opportunity to be honest with police but chose not to do so. He provided his correct date of birth on the chat line, which could have been damaging evidence had the case gone to trial. The court was informed that Bloomfield did not intend to meet the girl in person, and the victim in this case was actually a journalist, not a minor. His defense, represented by Andrew Wesley, argued that there was never a child involved in the case, and the interactions were purely online. Nonetheless, the court found his actions to be serious and indicative of a predatory interest, leading to the two-year custodial sentence.