BREAKING: Wearside Man Admits Child Sex Offenses, Sentencing to Take Place in Crown Court

A 32-year-old man from Hetton has appeared in South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court to admit to two child sex-related charges. Christopher James pleaded guilty to attempting to cause a child, aged 14, to look at or watch explicit images, as well as attempting to engage in sexual communication with the child for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification.

The offenses, which occurred on Monday, July 29, 2024, are believed to have involved a decoy child, part of a law enforcement sting. The prosecution has now requested that the case be sent to Newcastle Crown Court, where James will face sentencing. The charges carry a maximum potential sentence of two years in prison for one of the offenses.

James, who resides on Alder Close in Hetton, has been placed under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 notification requirements. This means he will be required to register with the police as a sex offender.

Magistrates have committed the case to the Crown Court for a sentencing hearing scheduled for January 5