RICKY WYKES CRANFIELD POSTMAN SENTENCED FOR SEX GAMES WITH TEENS IN BEDFORDSHIRE AND WALES

In May 2010, Ricky Wykes, a 51-year-old former postman from Cranfield, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after being convicted of engaging in illegal online sexual activities with two 13-year-old girls. The court heard that Wykes exploited the anonymity of the internet to communicate with the young victims, who resided in different parts of the UK—one in Yorkshire and the other in Wales—without ever meeting him in person.

Judge Richard Foster delivered a stern warning during the sentencing, emphasizing the dangers of internet misuse. He stated, “This is a classic case of the misuse of the internet and web cams.” The judge further expressed concern about the impact such cases have on parents and children, underscoring the importance of safeguarding minors online. “Such cases are a nightmare to every parent who allow their children to use the internet. The message must go out that custody will follow for those who abuse the internet for their own sexual gratification with young victims,” he added.

Wykes was found guilty at Luton Crown Court last month on multiple charges, including two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and two counts of inciting or causing a minor to engage in sexual acts. Additionally, he was convicted of eight offences related to downloading indecent images of children onto his computer and possessing indecent material. However, he was acquitted of two charges involving the creation of indecent images of children.

The prosecution, led by Miss Bozzie Sheffi, detailed how the offences took place during 2007 and 2008, when both girls were 13 years old. The court was told that the victims had never met Wykes or each other but had communicated with him via MSN Messenger. The investigation was triggered when the girl from Yorkshire reported that she had been talking to someone in an MSN chat room who had asked her to perform sexual acts and had filmed himself doing so.

Following this report, Bedfordshire Police officers visited Wykes’s residence on High Street, Cranfield, on June 5, 2008. He was arrested at the scene, and computers from his home were seized for forensic examination. The police investigation revealed that Wykes had been in contact with a second young girl from Wales, who later told officers that she was asked to perform similar sexual acts. She believed her online contact, “Ricky,” was 17 years old.

The police also discovered indecent images of children on Wykes’s computer, which he had downloaded. Despite denying all charges during the trial, Wykes later fully admitted his guilt after his conviction, according to his legal representative. His defense lawyer, Karen Walton, described Wykes as a man suffering from depression, disillusionment, and loneliness, who had pretended to be younger online to escape reality. She emphasized that Wykes had been honest with a probation officer and expressed remorse for his actions.

Walton added, “He is embarrassed and ashamed. He has now lost his freedom and his respect. He is now separated from his family and will not return to the family home on his release.”

As part of his sentence, Wykes was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which will control his internet use and restrict his contact with young girls indefinitely. He is also required to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.