MICHAEL WEM FROM POCKLINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN YORK

In a disturbing case brought before Hull Crown Court, Michael Wem, a 33-year-old resident of Pocklington near York, was found guilty of engaging in highly inappropriate and illegal online activities targeting minors. The case, which unfolded in March 2021, revealed a pattern of grooming and predatory behavior carried out by Wem through digital platforms, under the alias 'Wammy'.

Wem's actions came to light after he initiated contact with what he believed was a 12-year-old girl. In reality, the girl was a decoy operated by a volunteer working to catch online predators. The decoy, posing as a young girl, received numerous messages from Wem starting in April 2019. During these exchanges, Wem expressed a desire to form a romantic relationship, asking if she wanted to swap pictures and sending explicit images of himself. He also made disturbing comments about preferring younger girls, stating that 'age is just a number' and that 'the younger the better'.

According to court proceedings, Wem's messages grew increasingly explicit. He asked the decoy if she had had sex before and described her as 'very hot and sexy'. He even inquired whether she would meet him in person, suggesting he would take her in his car and kiss her. When questioned about the appropriateness of such actions, Wem responded casually, implying consent if she wanted to.

Further evidence presented in court included Wem sending two videos of himself pleasuring himself to the decoy. These actions demonstrated his intent to exploit and harm a minor, despite the fact that the girl was an adult posing as a child. The court also heard that Wem targeted another individual, again a decoy, under the mistaken belief she was a 12-year-old girl. This pattern of behavior underscores his predatory tendencies.

Authorities seized Wem’s phone upon arrest, discovering indecent images classified as categories A, B, and C. Additionally, messages to a parent revealed his dark fantasies, explicitly stating, 'Show me pictures of your 12-year-old daughter so I can rape your 12-year-old daughter.'

During the hearing, prosecutor Craig Lowe detailed Wem’s online activities, emphasizing his use of the 'Wammy' account to communicate with the decoy. The messages included explicit exchanges, with Wem requesting and sending images of himself, and discussing potential in-person meetings. His comments and actions clearly indicated a desire to exploit minors for sexual gratification.

In mitigation, Michael Masson highlighted that Wem had been classified as a 'high-risk' offender by the probation service, reflecting the severity of his conduct. Judge John Thackray QC addressed the court, stating that Wem’s crimes were no less serious because his victims were not real children. The judge emphasized that Wem believed he was communicating with a 12-year-old girl, and his possession of indecent images compounded the gravity of his offenses.

Wem was sentenced to two years in prison. The judge clarified that he would serve up to half of this sentence in custody before being released on license into the community. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are treated, given the potential harm to real victims and the danger posed by individuals like Wem.