MARK PATTINSON FROM HARTLEY WINTNEY GETS HIS SENTENCE HALVED AFTER SEXUAL GROOMING PLOT NEAR WINCHESTER

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Mark Pattinson, a 58-year-old resident of Thackham’s Lane in Hartley Wintney, found himself at the center of a serious criminal matter involving attempted sexual grooming of a minor. The incident, which took place in the vicinity of Winchester, culminated in Pattinson being sentenced to two years in prison at Winchester Crown Court on February 9. However, this sentence was later subject to appeal, leading to a notable reduction in his incarceration period.

During the proceedings, Judge Clement Goldstone QC detailed the circumstances of the case to London's Appeal Court on Tuesday, May 16. It was revealed that Pattinson had admitted to attempting to meet a child following a series of sexual grooming behaviors. The case was brought to light after police received a report from an individual who identified himself as a paedophile hunter. This individual had taken the initiative to set up a sting operation by creating a fake online profile, complete with photographs, on a dating website. The profile was designed to appear as that of a young woman named “Sammi,” claiming to be 18 years old.

According to the court, Pattinson and the fake “Sammi” began exchanging messages early on. It was disclosed that “Sammi” explicitly told Pattinson she was only 15 years old. Despite this, Pattinson continued to communicate with her, and their conversations soon turned sexual in nature. When asked about his intentions, Pattinson stated he was seeking a “partner or hook-up.” The court heard that he requested “Sammi” to send him revealing photos and inquired about her sexual experience. The exchanges included graphic descriptions of what Pattinson wanted to do with her, with him suggesting they could “just play” until she was “ready,” and instructing her not to tell anyone about their conversations because of her age.

Further details revealed that Pattinson and the fake “Sammi” agreed to meet at Winchfield railway station on July 19 of the previous year. When Pattinson arrived at the station, he was confronted by the paedophile hunter who had set up the sting. The hunter promptly reported the incident to the police, leading to Pattinson’s arrest.

In his defense, Pattinson’s legal representative, Barnaby Shaw, argued that the sentence handed down by the Crown Court was excessively harsh. He emphasized that Pattinson’s actions were attempts rather than actual contact with a child, and highlighted that no physical meeting or contact had occurred. Shaw also acknowledged that Pattinson recognized his behavior was problematic and expressed a need for help in addressing his issues.

Judge Goldstone, sitting alongside Lord Justice Davis and Mr Justice Stuart-Smith, agreed that the original sentence was too severe and that the Crown Court judge had made an error in sentencing. Consequently, the appeal was successful, and Pattinson’s jail term was reduced from two years to one year, effectively halving the original punishment. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and community groups to combat online grooming and protect minors from exploitation, especially in areas like Hartley Wintney and the surrounding regions near Winchester.