Predatory Paedophile Jailed for Five Years

Harley Palmer, 27, was sentenced to five years and three months in prison for sexually abusing two young boys. He was also given an extended licence period of four years due to the danger he poses to children.

Palmer targeted the boys, aged nine and 13, and molested them when they were alone. He would buy them gifts to buy their silence. The court heard that Palmer was a "dangerous and manipulative" abuser with a sexual interest in young boys.

The victims were initially too scared to tell anyone about the abuse, fearing they wouldn't be believed. When the offences came to light earlier this year, Palmer initially denied wrongdoing, claiming he was a "cuddly person" who only tickled the children. However, police found naked images of a child on his phone, and he eventually pleaded guilty to four offences.

The parents of one of the victims said they were "devastated" by Palmer's actions, which had destroyed their son's childhood. The teenage victim said he still has nightmares.

Palmer's lawyer argued that he was immature for his age, anxious, and confused about his sexuality, and that he was sorry for his actions. However, the judge, Recorder Philip Mott QC, stated that Palmer's behaviour was "classic grooming" and that he was a "high risk of causing serious harm to pre-pubescent boys."

Recorder Mott also addressed the victims directly, assuring them that they were not to blame for the abuse and that their parents should focus on providing them with love and support.

Palmer will serve two-thirds of his sentence in jail before he can be considered for release by the parole board. He has been placed on the sex offender register for life.