Locations
Gladstone Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24
Description
A "dangerous" Blyth paedophile sexually assaulted a child in front of their parent and was later found in possession of their underwear.
Jamie Topham, who has a "significant history of sexual offending", sexually assaulted the child in September, last year, while the youngster's parent was in the same room. When the stunned parent saw what was happening, they took a photograph for evidence and later reported him to police.
When the 42-year-old was arrested, police found three indecent images on his mobile phone, which he'd taken himself. The child's underwear was also found in his room.
Topham, of Gladstone Street, Blyth, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court, via link from HMP Durham, to be sentenced for sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, breach of a sexual offence prevention order, and taking indecent images of children. He pleaded guilty to the charges.
The court heard that Topham had previous convictions for child sex offences and had been given a three year community order after being found in possession of hundreds of indecent images. He was later found in possession of more images and was given a suspended sentence and made subject of a 10 year sexual offence prevention order - which was active at the time of his offending last year.
Annie Richardson, prosecuting, said Topham had become acquainted with a family, who had no idea about his sexual offence history and convictions.
At some point in September, last year, Topham had drank up to seven cans of lager and was with members of the family. The court heard he was "somewhat drunk". Ms Richardson said that Topham then put his arm around a child, which the parent - who was in the same room - found "unusual".
Topham then sexually assaulted the child, leading the shocked parent to quickly take a photograph of what was happening for evidence. Topham was then kicked out of the house and was arrested that night.
Ms Richardson said: "His room was searched and child's underwear was found, which belonged to the child. Police also seized his mobile phone and examined it." Officers discovered three indecent images of children, which Topham had taken himself on the phone.
Mr Fish, defending Topham, said: "The defendant is realistic and accepts that he will receive an immediate custodial sentence. He has demonstrated a significant level of insight and acknowledges he has a problem. He is not a defendant who is in denial." Mr Fish added that Topham has "a lot of distorted thinking and attitudes".
Sentencing Topham, Judge Adams, said he had a "significant history of sexual offending". He said: "You admit a sexual attraction to children and in my view you are clearly dangerous."
The judge gave Topham an extended prison sentence 98 months - 50 months custodial with an extension period of 48 months. An indefinite sexual harm prevention order was also made and he will be on the sex offender's register indefinitely.