Jacques Doldersum

A 25-year-old man from Worcester, Jacques Doldersum, has been imprisoned for committing multiple sexual offences involving the online grooming and solicitation of indecent images from minors. The case, reported by Worcester News, highlights the dangers of anonymous messaging apps and the proactive efforts of West Mercia Police to safeguard children online.

Doldersum's activities came to light through an undercover operation on the Kik messaging service, which allows users to communicate without disclosing real names or phone numbers and does not monitor message content. Believing he was interacting with 12- and 13-year-old girls, Doldersum sent them an indecent image of himself and encouraged them to reciprocate with their own indecent images. In reality, these 'girls' were undercover officers from West Mercia Police, who arrested him in November 2021 after gathering sufficient evidence.

• Doldersum messaged what he thought were 12- and 13-year-old girls on Kik.
• He sent an indecent image of himself and urged them to send indecent images.
• These interactions were with undercover police officers.
• Additionally, he contacted a vulnerable 14-year-old girl, sending her indecent images and encouraging her to send some back.

Following his arrest, forensic analysis of Doldersum's mobile phone uncovered indecent images of children, leading to charges for 12 sexual offences. He pleaded guilty to all counts at Worcester Crown Court. On Monday, June 27, 2022, he was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison. In addition to the custodial sentence, Doldersum was issued a sexual harm prevention order and placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for an unspecified duration.

Detective Inspector Matt McNelis of West Mercia Police commented on the case, stating: 'This case was part of our ongoing work to keep children and young people safe online. We warn anyone attempting to engage in this type of behaviour that you are being watched and will be investigated. We also urge everyone to act with caution when using social media and to verify the identity of anyone you may have contact with.' The operation underscores the police force's commitment to tackling online child exploitation, with Kik noting that users aged 13 to 18 should only access the app with parental permission.

The sentencing took place at Worcester Crown Court, and the case was covered in an article by Worcester News senior reporter Tom Banner, drawing on details from West Mercia Police.