James Webster

James Webster, a 59-year-old former data analyst from Darlington, has been sentenced for engaging in sexual communication with an underage girl. The case, heard at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court, involved Webster sending a series of sexually explicit messages to the teenager via Snapchat over a three-week period in March and April 2023.

According to court proceedings reported by the Darlington and Stockton Times, Webster obtained the girl's Snapchat identity and proceeded to send her sickening remarks, including discussions of his sexual fantasies. He explicitly told the teenager that he couldn't stop thinking about her in her underwear and stated that he wanted to have sex with her. Despite repeatedly asking the girl to block him, acknowledging in messages that he was 'hell-bound' and should hand himself in to the police because he was a 'pervert', Webster continued the inappropriate contact.

The behaviour came to light when a family member of the victim reported it to the authorities, leading to Webster's arrest by Durham Constabulary. During his police interview, Webster admitted knowing he shouldn't have sent the messages but initially denied that his actions were motivated by sexual gratification. However, District Judge Steven Hood rejected this claim, stating, 'You appear to have committed these offences for your own sexual gratification but you were maybe too embarrassed to admit it to the Probation Service.'

Webster pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual communication with a child. In mitigation, his solicitor Sophie Johnstone highlighted the severe personal consequences, noting that Webster had lost his 33-year job and his marriage had collapsed as a result of the conviction. She added, 'This is undoubtedly an unsavoury offence and he accepts that. He is completely ashamed of his behaviour and he wishes to apologise for the contents.'

District Judge Hood imposed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, warning Webster that any re-offending would result in immediate custody. Additional requirements included 40 days of rehabilitation activities, 100 hours of unpaid work, registration on the sex offenders’ register for seven years, and a five-year sexual harm prevention order. Webster was also ordered to pay £150 in compensation to the victim and £239 towards court costs.

As Webster left the court, a family member of the victim branded him a 'paedo' from the public gallery, underscoring the profound impact of his actions on the young girl and her family.