Roland James Ford

Roland James Ford

51, Male Custodial - 5y 2017-11-13

Harlow, Essex

Offender ID: cbe2cea2-0a18-40e8-b15a-cc5e1c42143e

Offence Summary

Roland James Ford attempted to meet a 15-year-old boy for sexual activity after initiating contact via a gay dating app, but was arrested in a police sting operation. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

Full Description

Roland James Ford, 51, from Wedgewood Drive in Harlow, Essex, was jailed for five years after attempting to engage in sexual activity with what he believed was a 15-year-old boy. The incident unfolded on July 20, 2017, when Ford contacted a fake profile set up by a male investigator specialising in protecting children from sexual exploitation. The profile, created on the gay dating app Grindr, used a stock image of a 15-year-old boy.

Ford, using his own account listed as 'Harlownow' and accurately stating his age as 50, sent the first message: 'Hi'. Upon learning the profile's age was 15, he responded, 'Oh sorry I didn’t realise you were that young. Was going to ask if you wanted your **** sucked but I guess you’re too young for that.' Despite this, he arranged to meet near The Stow shopping centre in Harlow, where he was arrested by undercover officers.

At Chelmsford Crown Court on November 13, 2017, Judge Patricia Lynch QC highlighted the dangers of Ford's online communications, stating: 'There is a risk of serious harm of adolescent and young boys with your communication with them over the internet.' Ford was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, extended by two years on licence, totalling five years. This case was part of Essex Police's efforts to combat child sexual exploitation through proactive online stings.

Location

City: Harlow

County: Essex

Address: Wedgewood Drive

Case Details

Police Force: Essex Police

Sentence Length: 5 years (Custodial)

Expected Release: March 2021
Guideline: two-thirds served for sentences ≥4 years; half otherwise (England & Wales). Estimates only.

Full Sentence End: November 2022
If served in full. Estimates only.

Name heritage (predicted origin)

Country: United Kingdom

Confidence: 95%

Special Thanks

A huge thank you to Essex Police for their tireless dedication in bringing this offender to justice. Your commitment and hard work truly help keep our communities safe, and we are deeply grateful.

Source: essexlive.news

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