PHILLIP BILLINGHAM

2008:SLEDMERE SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR PUBLIC PROTECTION

A man aged 23 from Sledmere has been sentenced to four years imprisonment for his inappropriate fixation on teenage schoolgirls.

During the proceedings at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Webb told Phillip Billingham of Banklands Road, "You are a calculating and manipulative sex offender, and the public must be protected from you." He also mandated that Billingham should remain on the sex offender register for life and restricted him from working with children in any manner.

The judge highlighted that Billingham has a noted sexual interest in girls in their early teens, noting that in 2006, he began a relationship with a 14-year-old girl, which resulted in police arresting him.

In 2008, he was convicted of sexual activity with a minor and was given a Community Order by the Crown Court.

Within three weeks, he was back in contact with another 14-year-old girl, establishing a sexual relationship with her as well.

It was revealed that Billingham had sent her multiple texts of a sexual nature, prompting the judge to comment on his evident lack of control over his impulses.

Further, the court noted that he was manipulating the girl emotionally for sexual purposes, raising concerns about the possibility of him causing further harm in the future.

Billingham pleaded guilty to two charges of engaging in sexual activity with the adolescent girl.