"Dangerous" child sex predator jailed for additional five years

Tom Steven Wilkes (26), formerly of Pitt Street, Rotherham, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday) after pleading guilty to sexual assault of a child at an earlier hearing.

Wilkes was jailed for ten years in November 2015 for multiple sex offences committed against teenage girls in Rotherham. His five-year prison sentence will run after his current jail term.

The court heard how, as part of the police investigation into Wilkes’ sexual offending, officers examining digital devices identified another teenage victim, who had been groomed by Wilkes online.

He sent numerous, sexually explicit messages before convincing the 13-year-old girl to meet up. When she met him, Wilkes sexually assaulted her.

Speaking after the sentencing, PC Brett Thompson said: "Wilkes is a dangerous, predatory individual who exploited and groomed a number of teenage girls online.

“In this case, he told his victim he was much younger than he was, saying he was 16 when he was in fact 21 years old, duping her and luring her to a secluded location so he could attack her," added the the investigating officer.

“He was much bigger and stronger than the victim, so this must have been a terrifying experience."

The officer said the victim had been deeply affected by the assault and commended her for the bravery she had shown throughout the investigation.

“Wilkes has shown no remorse for his crimes and I hope this additional sentencing demonstrates to the public that we are absolutely committed to seeking justice for victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse," the PC added.

"Wherever possible we will bring further evidence before the courts, to keep dangerous individuals like Wilkes in prison for longer, where he can cause no further harm.”

The prosecution and sentencing of Wilkes follows a joint investigation between South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Council.

Cllr Chris Read, Rotherham Council leader, said: “We continue to work in partnership with South Yorkshire Police and the National Crime Agency to bring perpetrators of this kind of crime to justice, whether this is through current crimes or for those committed in the past.

"Child sexual exploitation will not be tolerated in Rotherham.”

Anyone with concerns about child sexual exploitation should contact the police on 101 or the national helpline Say Something on 116 000. Always call 999 in an emergency.