In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Martin Latimer, 36, was jailed for three years after travelling to Essex with the intention of sexually abusing a child. On appearing at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday 4 September 2019, the defendant—of Connaught Road, Hove, East Sussex—was sentenced for arranging to meet a girl he believed to be 13 years old. It was reported that Latimer had booked a hotel room in Pitsea and travelled by train carrying a bag containing sex toys, chocolate, and an unopened packet of girls’ underwear.
The investigation established the premeditated nature of Latimer’s predatory behavior over a five-week period. Essex Police reported that the Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT) monitored Latimer as he engaged in sexual conversations and sent naked photographs and videos of himself performing sexual acts to the decoy profile. The prosecution reported that Latimer was arrested at The Nazeing, Basildon, on April 27, 2019, the moment he arrived to facilitate the planned offence.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Latimer’s actions were a clear and dangerous attempt to groom and physically abuse a minor. Basildon Crown Court heard that Latimer pleaded guilty on 28 May 2019 to three counts, including facilitating a child sex offence and engaging a child in sexual chat. The investigation established that Latimer had meticulously planned the trip from East Sussex to Pitsea, paying for accommodation and bringing “gifts” and equipment intended for use during the encounter.
The Sentencing Judge noted that Latimer’s “vile” intentions were only thwarted by the proactive work of specialist online investigators. For his actions in Basildon and Pitsea, Latimer was handed a three-year custodial sentence to reflect the severity of his grooming campaign. The judge noted that the evidence of his “sinister” preparations—including the purchase of children’s underwear—demonstrated a high level of risk to the public and a “sickening” focus on a 13-year-old victim.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Martin Latimer is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 3 years (Sentenced 4 September 2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Basildon Crown Court following an Essex Police (POLIT) investigation.
- Criminal Record: Facilitating a child sex offence; Causing a child to watch a sexual act; Engaging a child in sexual chat.
- Origin: Connaught Road, Hove, East Sussex (Offences in Pitsea, Essex).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Latimer is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) following his conviction. Due to the nature of his conduct in Basildon, which involved the use of online platforms to groom a child and the physical travel to commit a crime, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his lifetime registration on the Sex Offenders Register ensures that his internet activity, residency, and travel are strictly monitored by police in both East Sussex and Essex.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Latimer must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of “calculated” grooming in Essex necessitates permanent vigilance by local offender management teams. Any future attempt to access unauthorized software, approach a minor, or fail to disclose his location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and a return to the prison system.
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