Well-known Isle of Wight thespian James Fothergill, who discussed masturbation and oral sex with what he believed to be a 14-year-old boy before then planning to meet him in a car park in Newport, has avoided an immediate prison sentence.
36-year-old Fothergill, of Newport Road in Niton, appeared before a judge at the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Friday), having previously admitted a single count of attempting to meet a child after sexual grooming.
At the start of this morning’s case, 4 new charges were added to the indictment and put to Fothergill. The 36-year-old entered guilty pleas to 3x possession of indecent images and a single charge of possession of extreme pornography involving a live animal.
Fothergill wept as the charges were read to him.
Prosecutor Tim Devlin told the court that on 9th July this year, Fothergill attempted to meet a 14-year-old ‘boy’ in Matalan car park. The grown man was, however, unaware that the underage boy was in fact an undercover Police officer.
In the days before the ‘meet-up’, Fothergill engaged with a child profile on Grindr called ‘Evan’ where he asked ‘are you up for some fun’. The court heard how Fothergill suggested the pair could ‘j**k off’ telling the child ‘I’ve got a pretty nice d**k’.
As the conversation progressed, the chat moved onto social media app Snapchat. When told how old the ‘child’ was, Fothergill said ‘that’s pretty young – what do you want to do’.
Mr Devlin said that Fothergill told the child ‘I wanna give lads a good time’ before saying ‘I aint gonna make you cause you’re young’.
Armed with condoms, Fothergill and the child arranged to meet each other the following day, telling them what he was wearing.
Several people in the public gallery covered their ears whilst the grim details of Fothergill’s offending were laid bare.
The court heard that after his arrest, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary found the contraceptive options in his wallet and car.
When arrested, he admitted that indecent images may be found on his phone. Fothergill went ‘no comment’ during his Police interview.
The court heard how, during the examination of Fothergill’s phone, a total of 4 category A images, 6 category B images and 7 category C images were found. Also discovered was 1 image of extreme pornography with a live animal – namely a dog.
The age of those depicted in the photos was unknown due to the timeframe investigating officers had to collate the evidence ahead of the sentencing hearing.
Defending the 36-year-old former IT consultant, Jim Osborne told the court that Fothergill took full responsibility for his actions and that he was ‘deeply ashamed’. He added that Fothergill had taken several steps to tackle his offending behaviour, including attending counselling sessions and completing a 60-day online pivotal recovery course for people with an addiction to pornography.
Mr Osborne added that Fothergill has lost his job as a result of the incident, but that he has prospects of getting back into employment, should he retain his liberty. A host of good character references were prepared for the hearing, Mr Osborne said.
Sentencing Fothergill, who attended court with a large bag expecting to receive a lengthy custodial sentence, Judge England Assistant Judge Advocate General said that whilst Fothergill didn’t actually meet a child, the presence of condoms suggested he had ideas of penetrative activity.
She added that despite the offending, Fothergill had a ‘very clear’ desire to change and that he had already taken significant steps to tackle his offending behaviour.
Judge England handed Fothergill a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 2 years. He was also ordered to complete up to 12 mental health treatment requirement sessions, 35 rehabilitation days and 150 hours of unpaid work.
Fothergill was also handed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
WTF he gets let off so he can do it again and again, what does it take for him to actually physically hurt someone? Disgusting the courts are an absolute waste of time as for the judge! Justice system where? WTF
The justice system is a joke. No prison? What about castration instead!
Absolute diabolical sentence.
But thank you for sharing his image.
I’m sure there will be many people now that would like an opportunity to have “fun” with him in a dark car park.
What a sick individual, why are these predators aloud to still roaming the streets. lock him up throw away the key. Chop his bits off
Just think how many young men he saw and fancied while he was second in command at Robin Hill, once a weirdo – always a weirdo!
What is wrong with our magistrates and judicial system?
How can so many offenders be spared from custodial sentences?
This is why there are so many crimes committed, NO deterrents at all.
Ye that’s right …pathetic.
He’ll have a sore neck from constantly looking over his shoulder lmao
He should have made a harmless tweet. Would have gone down for two and a half years, then.
fucking a dog how low can this man stoop
Maybe a spanial?
Half way through this report is an ad for a restaurant offering a Valentine’s Day experience. Maybe a touch misplaced?
I wonder if the Judge has jailed anyone for naughty words… it seems that we now have a system that puts more emphasis on posting something upsetting, than it does for a potential kiddie assault. Sickening times.
agreed, quite misplaced