In 2022, Dale Ruff, the Balby Paedophile, 39, believed he was conversing online with a 12-year-old boy named James; however, it was, in fact, an undercover police officer.
Dale Ruff, residing at Grove Place, Balby in Doncaster, initially contacted “James” on July 24 this year.
At that time, Dale Ruff was under a two-year suspended sentence, imposed in May 2021, for attempting to engage a minor in sexual communication, trying to meet a child, and four charges of attempting to engage a juvenile in sexual activity.
The conditions of the charges for which he was convicted in 2021 were analogous to those for which he was to be punished on Wednesday, as both “children” he communicated with were purportedly 12-year-old boys but were, in fact, undercover agents.
On Wednesday, Leeds Crown Court was informed that initially, “James” disclosed his age to Dale Ruff, who then stated he was 36 and enquired if “James” desired a boyfriend. He enquired about the swimsuit he was wearing and the underwear he had on. Dale Ruff transmitted inappropriate photographs to the cop and expressed a desire to meet him.
Prosecutor Danielle Gilmour told the court: “He enquired about a meeting and suggested his availability for swimming or cinema at the end of the month.” He wanted to become acquainted with ‘James’ and engage in conversation while exploring physical intimacy. He enquired whether he desired him to place his hands in his undergarments.
In August, discussions persisted as Dale Ruff transmitted additional images of himself in undergarments, instructing “James” to address him as “daddy.”
Ms Gilmour stated that on several instances, Dale Ruff initiated video chats during which he engaged in masturbation. He said he could not locate “James” and requested to meet him. On August 25, the court was informed that an officer from the South Yorkshire Police’s sex offenders squad contacted Dale Ruff, who stated that he possessed a Nokia phone, but not a smartphone.
Ms Gilmour informed the court that after that month, Dale Ruff enquired about the authenticity of “James.” She stated, “He enquired whether ‘James’ was genuine and remarked, ‘You are not among those individuals who apprehend others for engaging in sexual activities with minors and imprison them.'”
The court was informed that discussions between Dale Ruff and “James” persisted into October, with a meeting being contemplated on October 6. He was apprehended the following day at Batley Train Station. Ms Gilmour stated that when he was admonished, he informed the officers: “I recognise that I should not have gone and that I should not engage in such behaviour.”
Gillian Batts, in mitigation, stated: “He was one year into the suspended sentence.” The probation officer’s report indicates that he has recently completed a course. The defendant’s personal mitigation includes insights from the psychiatric and pre-sentence reports, which detail his challenging background that has resulted in loneliness, isolation, and difficulties in establishing relationships. This context may elucidate the reasons behind the defendant’s engagement in such behaviour instead of developing age-appropriate relationships.
Ms Batts stated that Dale Ruff has effectively utilised his time on remand, is on a waiting list to undertake educational courses, and is employed within the institution.
Judge Simon Batiste imposed an extended sentence of 14 years on Dale Ruff, comprising a six-year jail term and six years on licence, with the full activation of the two-year suspended sentence order from 2021. He stated that he entered a guilty plea to charges of attempting to meet a kid following sexual grooming, trying to provoke a child to engage in sexual conduct, three counts of inducing a child to observe sexual acts, and two violations of a sexual harm prevention order during a plea, trial, and preparation hearing earlier this year.
Dale Ruff was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, superseding the one established in 2021.
Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Howard of the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit stated: “Dale Ruff is a sexual predator with a distinct sexual interest in children.” Individuals like him render the internet a perilous environment for youngsters. He will now serve a prison sentence for his actions, and we will persist in our efforts to enhance internet safety for the residents of Yorkshire and the Humber.
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