July 2023

Spalding paedophile jailed for 14 years for sex offences against two children

A Spalding man who was found guilty of historic sex offences against two children was today jailed for 14 years.

James Blackbourne, 39, formerly of Green Lane, was convicted of attempting to rape a boy aged under-13 after a trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

The court heard Blackbourne was aged around 18 at the time of the offence.

He was also convicted of two indecent assault charges on the same victim when Blackbourne was aged 16, which reflected incidents that occured on no fewer than three occasions.

In an impact statement which was read out in court the victim said it was awful to go through a two week trial, but said he now hoped to move forward.

“What he did to me affected my whole life,” the victim explained. “I can not describe the anger about what he has done.”

“The abuse never ends,” he added. “I want him to be punished for what he has done.”

The jury also convicted Blackbourne of two indecent assault charges on a young girl when he was aged between 18 and 20.

Blackbourne’s second victim explained how she was determined to overcome what he had done to her.

“Being given the opportunity to finally tell someone was like a heavyweight being lifted off my shoulders,” she added.

Blackbourne was remanded into custody following the guilty verdicts earlier this year.

Neither victim can be named to protect their anonymity.

Tony Stanford, prosecuting, accepted sentencing would have to take into account the fact Blackbourne was himself a youth when some of the offences were committed and occured nearly two decades ago.

The court heard Blackbourne had moved to Spalding following a previous sexual incident where he accepted a police caution.

Passing sentence Judge James House KC said having watched the victim of the attempted rape give evidence it was apparent he had endured severe psychological harm.

Judge House told Blackbourne it was clear he had a sexual interest in young children at that time.

“Children who are the victims of abuse carry it forever,” Judge House concluded.

Blackbourne will also serve an extended licence period of 12 months on his release from custody and was made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will last for ten years.

He will also have to register as a sex offender for life and was made the subject of a restraining order which prevents any future contact with his victims.