Man, 34, jailed for just ONE YEAR despite having sexual activity with a child

A 34-year-old man has been jailed after he was convicted of having sexual activity with a child.

John Whitmore, of HMP Bullingdon, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child, obstructing or resisting a constable, driving a vehicle without a licence and using a motor vehicle without insurance, in a hearing at Aylesbury Crown Court on Thursday, May 16.

Between, January 1 and January 10, 2022, Whitmore, being a person aged 18 or over, met with or communicated with a girl under the age of 16, and did not reasonably believe she was over 16.

He arranged to meet her and intentionally met her, while the victim travelled with the intention of meeting him.

It was discovered that Whitmore intended to do something with her during or after the meeting, which amounted to sexual grooming.

Two years later on January 10, 2024, Whitmore was driving a vehicle on London Road, High Wycombe without a valid driving licence or insurance.

He resisted a constable in the execution of his duty and was arrested, before being charged with the offence on January 16, 2024.

He has been jailed for one year and has been put on a five-year restraining order.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Hannah Csumrik, said: “Whitmore made regular concerted attempts to engage in inappropriate activity with a child, who he knew was under the age of 16.

“He communicated with her and made regular attempts to meet with her, and it was clear from our investigation that Whitmore was engaging in sexual grooming of a child.

“I am pleased that Whitmore pleaded guilty to the offences he was charged with and was sentenced to a period of imprisonment as a result.

“We will never tolerate such behaviour, and will seek to prosecute offenders and put them before the courts where they belong.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case for her support of the investigation, which has helped to bring Whitmore to justice.”