RUSSELL BOLLEN FROM STURMINSTER NEWTON JAILED FOR ONLINE SEXUAL EXCHANGE WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In July 2016, a man from Stalbridge near Sturminster Newton was sentenced to prison after engaging in a disturbing online exchange involving explicit sexual images with a 14-year-old girl. Russell Bollen, aged 24, who resides on Hardy Crescent in Stalbridge, was found to have knowingly continued communication with the underage girl despite being aware of her age early in their interactions.

According to court proceedings, Bollen exchanged graphic sexual images with the teenager, who had initially met him online. It was revealed that he had no intention of meeting her in person, but his continued messaging and sharing of explicit content raised serious concerns. The court heard that Bollen admitted to two counts of causing or inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in penetrative sexual activity, as well as six counts of possessing indecent photographs of a child.

The case was brought before Bournemouth Crown Court, where Bollen appeared for sentencing on Friday, July 22. Judge Brian Forster QC addressed the court, highlighting that Bollen, who works as an electrician, had used his free time to pursue contact with the young girl. The judge noted that the girl also sent sexual images of her boyfriend to Bollen, indicating a complex and troubling exchange.

Judge Forster emphasized that Bollen was fully aware of the girl’s age early on but chose to continue the communication despite this knowledge. He pointed out that the messages exchanged showed the girl was actively participating, even suggesting she send sexual images of her boyfriend. The judge described Bollen as being socially isolated at the time, which may have influenced his actions.

He stated, “You should have known from an early stage that it was time to stop the exchange. For you, what took place is said to have been some sort of fantasy, but for the girl, it was real. You encouraged her to carry out sexual acts.”

Prosecutor Stuart Ellacott described the behavior as having grooming elements, although the court noted there was little evidence to suggest Bollen planned to meet the girl or carry out any physical acts. Instead, the interactions appeared to be primarily mutual conversations conducted online.

In sentencing, Judge Forster sentenced Bollen to 20 months in prison for the offences. Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years following his release. An indefinite sexual harm prevention order was also imposed to restrict Bollen’s future conduct and protect potential victims.

As a result of his actions, Bollen faces significant legal consequences, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with online interactions with minors.