Tree Surgeon Jailed for Preying on Boys Twice
James Watson has been slammed with a decade-long jail sentence for abusing a boy, repeating the same sick crimes he was convicted of ten years earlier.
Conviction History Ignored, Abuse Continues
Back in 2008, Watson was convicted at Chelmsford Crown Court for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old and taking indecent images. He completed a sex offenders’ treatment programme and claimed he was “cured” with a certificate to prove it. Despite this, Watson kept downloading illegal images while awaiting trial.
He was placed on the sex offenders register and slapped with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) restricting child contact. Both expired before he struck again.
New Victim Targeted in Broadwoodkelly
Watson, 38, of Broadwoodkelly near Okehampton, groomed and abused a new victim — a vulnerable boy aged 11 or 12. The boy’s mother had no clue about Watson’s filthy past and believed their relationship was innocent.
The horrific truth only came out when social services found Watson’s prior conviction and tipped off the mum. Watson then denied any wrongdoing, claiming he had no interest in children and no sexual contact with the boy.
Judge Slams ‘Danger to Public’
At Exeter Crown Court, a jury found Watson guilty of two counts of inciting a child to sexual activity. Judge Timothy Rose slammed him as a “danger to the public,” sentencing him to 10 years behind bars plus six years on an extended licence.
“Your previous conviction shares features which are remarkably similar. You targeted a vulnerable boy aged 11 or 12, inveigling your way into his family’s trust. You knew your past but hid it completely. The intensive supervision you underwent didn’t cure you — the risk continued in secret.” — Judge Timothy Rose
Watson was handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning him from contact with boys forever, and put on the sex offenders register for life.
Victim’s Family Speak Out
The boy’s mother described the past two-and-a-half years as “pure hell,” highlighting the enduring trauma Watson caused.
Prosecutor Nigel Wraith revealed Watson abused the boy until social services intervened in 2018. Watson used his bogus “cure” certificate to deceive the family.
Justice has finally caught up with this dangerous predator, but the scars he left run deep.
