A 57-year-old Paedophile from Buckfastleigh, James Pidgeon, was convicted of orchestrating the sexual assault of a child has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison.
James Pidgeon, from Crest Hill, Buckfastleigh, previously entered a guilty plea to orchestrating the commission of a child sex offence, disseminating indecent images of minors, and violating a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
He was convicted today, Tuesday, 3 October, at Exeter Crown Court to five and a half years, with an additional five years on licence. He was also issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an order for the forfeiture of digital devices.
Exeter Crown Court was informed that James Andrew Pidgeon, a registered sex offender with previous convictions for the possession and creation of indecent photographs of children, was on a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Notwithstanding this Prevention Order, James Pidgeon persisted in perpetrating internet offences concerning children.
Subsequent to the efforts of the Devon and Cornwall Police Paedophile Online Investigation Team, James Pidgeon was identified by investigators, prompting the initiation of an investigation.
In the course of this investigation, the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) provided evidence indicating that James Pidgeon was a suspect in an internet inquiry. During this inquiry, Pidgeon participated in online discussions with an individual he presumed had access to a child; however, this person was, in fact, a NEROCU police officer.
Transcripts of their internet discussions revealed that Pidgeon boasted about his status as a paedophile for over 30 years and transmitted numerous indecent photographs and films depicting the sexual abuse of minors, including infants.
In these transcripts, James Pidgeon expressed his desire to sexually assault children, namely female toddlers, and indicated that the meeting’s objective was to obtain access to a child for this purpose.
They coordinated a meeting at Torquay seaside, when authorities intervened and executed the arrest.
James Pidgeon was placed in jail on July 17, 2023. He was indicted for orchestrating the perpetration of a child sex offence, disseminating indecent photos of minors, and violating a sexual harm prevention order.
Detective Constable Sophie House, the investigating officer, stated:
“Notwithstanding the imposition of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, James Pidgeon persisted in perpetrating online offences concerning children.”
I trust this conviction acts as a clear admonition to anyone who possess an unlawfully ambiguous perspective about cyber offences involving children.
This case demonstrates that our committed and specialised team labours diligently to ensure perpetrators are held accountable. Online criminal activity is unfortunately increasing, although our investigative techniques and evidence collection are continually advancing.
This was a joint endeavour by personnel from the Devon and Cornwall Paedophile Online Investigation Team, the NEROCU, and the Devon and Cornwall Digital Forensic Unit.
“We will persist in our investigation of these online offences to ensure the protection of children and the public from individuals who intend to harm them.” To anyone inclined to partake in such activity, our message is unequivocal: you will be apprehended, and you should anticipate a visit from us.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.