"Awful" paedophile, 37, jailed after desperate bid to meet girl, 12, for sex
An “awful” 37-year-old paedophile has been jailed after sending grossly explicit messages to 12-year-old child in a desperate bid to meet for sex.
James Oak pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court to five years and seven months for his vile crimes on the girl.
Oak sent the victim a series of sexually explicit messages including requests for her to send sexual images, meet him in person and perform sexual acts. The doomed grooming campaign took place in October.
Oak, of Winchester Road, Southampton, was convicted of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and was handed a further 12-month sentence for sexual communication with a child which will be served concurrently.
As well as the time he will now spend behind bars, Oak has also been made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restraining order and notification of requirement to register with the police. He will remain on the sex offenders register for life.
PC Jen Grace who led the investigation, said: “Oaks sentencing marks the end of an incredibly difficult chapter for a brave young girl and her family. The strength and courage she has shown throughout this investigation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the trauma she endured, she found resolve to speak out, to stand firm and to help bring her abuser to justice.
“While this sentencing won’t erase this awful experience, I hope it can offer her and her loved ones some closure and relief. James Oak is now behind bars, where he belongs, and can no longer pose a threat to any other child.
“I’d also like to commend the officers and staff who worked tirelessly on this case. Their dedication has ensured that a predatory individual has been removed from our community.
“To anyone who may be suffering in silence, please know that you are not alone. Your voice matters - We will listen, we will support you, and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice.”
Anyone who has any concerns about child abuse should contact 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.
Survivors of sexual abuse can find more information here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/