PAUL FREEMAN FROM BRAINTREE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRLS IN ESSEX
| Red Rose Database
Braintree Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Braintree, Paul Freeman, a 56-year-old man residing on Rayne Road, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and illegal online activities involving underage girls. The incident, which came to light in March 2017, revealed that Freeman had used social media platforms, specifically Skype, to contact and solicit explicit images from minors, as well as to engage in sexually charged conversations.
Freeman’s online alias was identified as Dave Jones, under which he initiated contact with several young girls. His actions spanned from 2014 into early 2015, during which he targeted girls as young as 11 years old. One of the most alarming aspects of his conduct was his attempt to persuade a 14-year-old girl that engaging in shower sex with him would help her 'become a woman.' Such comments are not only morally reprehensible but also illegal, especially considering the age of the victim.
Further investigations revealed that Freeman also communicated with a 13-year-old girl, claiming to have masturbated over images she had sent him, which were titled 'uniform' and 'bikini.' These exchanges demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior, with Freeman asking detailed questions about the girls’ sexual experiences and body measurements. For instance, he inquired about when a girl had lost her virginity, suggesting they have sex in his car, and requested photos of her in swimwear and in her bra.
Authorities from Essex Police acted swiftly after receiving intelligence about Freeman’s online activities. On March 23, 2015, they executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering evidence of his misconduct. The investigation uncovered that Freeman had initially contacted a 14-year-old girl between June 30 and July 4, 2014, requesting images of her in school uniform and underwear. Throughout September and October of that year, he continued to ask questions about her sexual history and sent her messages that indicated a desire for sexual contact.
During the court proceedings at Chelmsford Crown Court, Freeman’s defense highlighted that he was a coach station manager in Halstead and that his relationship with his partner had become platonic due to her illness. His daughter, who attended the hearing, submitted a letter expressing her shock and disbelief at her father’s actions, stating that she idolized him and found it hard to believe he could engage in such behavior.
Judge Emma Peters delivered the sentence, expressing her disapproval of Freeman’s conduct. She emphasized that Freeman should be ashamed of his actions and warned him that if he were to stray from his relationship, he should seek companionship among peers of a similar age. The judge also imposed a series of strict measures, including a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, a 10-year registration on the sex offenders register, and a requirement to complete 160 hours of unpaid community service. Freeman’s 16-month prison sentence was suspended for two years, allowing him to avoid immediate incarceration but under strict supervision.
Throughout the proceedings, Freeman maintained his innocence, claiming he had not opened any of the images sent to him. However, the court found sufficient evidence of his predatory behavior, and the sentence reflects the seriousness of his offenses and the need to protect vulnerable minors from such exploitation.
Freeman’s online alias was identified as Dave Jones, under which he initiated contact with several young girls. His actions spanned from 2014 into early 2015, during which he targeted girls as young as 11 years old. One of the most alarming aspects of his conduct was his attempt to persuade a 14-year-old girl that engaging in shower sex with him would help her 'become a woman.' Such comments are not only morally reprehensible but also illegal, especially considering the age of the victim.
Further investigations revealed that Freeman also communicated with a 13-year-old girl, claiming to have masturbated over images she had sent him, which were titled 'uniform' and 'bikini.' These exchanges demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior, with Freeman asking detailed questions about the girls’ sexual experiences and body measurements. For instance, he inquired about when a girl had lost her virginity, suggesting they have sex in his car, and requested photos of her in swimwear and in her bra.
Authorities from Essex Police acted swiftly after receiving intelligence about Freeman’s online activities. On March 23, 2015, they executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering evidence of his misconduct. The investigation uncovered that Freeman had initially contacted a 14-year-old girl between June 30 and July 4, 2014, requesting images of her in school uniform and underwear. Throughout September and October of that year, he continued to ask questions about her sexual history and sent her messages that indicated a desire for sexual contact.
During the court proceedings at Chelmsford Crown Court, Freeman’s defense highlighted that he was a coach station manager in Halstead and that his relationship with his partner had become platonic due to her illness. His daughter, who attended the hearing, submitted a letter expressing her shock and disbelief at her father’s actions, stating that she idolized him and found it hard to believe he could engage in such behavior.
Judge Emma Peters delivered the sentence, expressing her disapproval of Freeman’s conduct. She emphasized that Freeman should be ashamed of his actions and warned him that if he were to stray from his relationship, he should seek companionship among peers of a similar age. The judge also imposed a series of strict measures, including a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, a 10-year registration on the sex offenders register, and a requirement to complete 160 hours of unpaid community service. Freeman’s 16-month prison sentence was suspended for two years, allowing him to avoid immediate incarceration but under strict supervision.
Throughout the proceedings, Freeman maintained his innocence, claiming he had not opened any of the images sent to him. However, the court found sufficient evidence of his predatory behavior, and the sentence reflects the seriousness of his offenses and the need to protect vulnerable minors from such exploitation.