Man jailed after pleading guilty to 18 child sex offences

A man from Haydock has been jailed after he after he pleaded guilty to 18 sex offences.

 

James Blundell, aged 36, of Wesley Avenue, Haydock was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to 14 years, 5 months plus another five years on licence today (Thursday 28 March) after he pleaded guilty to 18 sex offences.

 

Police received reports that on Sunday 6 November 2022 Blundell committed several sexual offences with a boy under 13 in Newton Le Willows after he breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This crime was referred to Merseyside Police in November 2023. 

 

Police also received reports that Blundell sexually abused a boy under 13 and committed several other sex offences in September 2023 in Haydock, St Helens.

 

Blundell was arrested and charged on Tuesday 14 November 2023 and later pleaded guilty to eleven counts of sexual offences against a child under 13, two counts of possessing indecent images of a child under 13 and  breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

 

Speaking after the sentencing Detective Inspector Michelle Wilson said: “Blundell’s incredibly disturbing crimes caused trauma to both his victims and I would like to thank them and their families for their bravery in not only coming forward but disclosing exactly what happened to police so Blundell could be put behind bars.

 

“Blundell repeatedly subjected his victims to deplorable offences by sending them sexual images via his mobile phone and we welcome the lengthy sentences given out by the court today. 

 

“Thanks to the victims and their families bravery in court no other child will be subjected to Blundells despicable crimes and behaviour.”

 

Detective Inspector Michelle Wilson added “I would urge anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police. 

 

“We have a specialist team committed to dealing with all forms of child exploitation, who will treat any information from you extremely seriously, and will follow up every report and any information that comes in, so please report this to us.”

 

“I can assure anyone who reports such offences that you will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and fully supported through the entire process.”

 

Anyone with information or who wants to report a sexual offence allegation is asked to call 101, where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers, or @MerPolCC  on social media. You can pass information to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Call 999 if you suspect such an incident is in progress. 

 

 

If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:

 

NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail [email protected].

Childline – call 0800 1111

Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.