In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Hesketh Watts, 31, was sentenced to over five years in prison for the grooming and sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl. On appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, 5 August 2019, the defendant, of no fixed address, was jailed for sexual activity with a child and drug dealing offences. It was reported that Watts’ “shameful” actions were uncovered only after the victim’s father became concerned about her behaviour and found “vile” text messages on her phone.
The investigation established the predatory and calculated nature of Watts’ conduct. Nottinghamshire Police reported that the victim’s father confiscated her phone in March 2019, discovering a conversation where Watts messaged her about having had sex, despite his full knowledge of her age. The prosecution reported that when officers arrested Watts at an address in Bestwood on 22 March, he was also found in possession of cannabis, scales, and deal bags, proving he was actively involved in the supply of Class B drugs.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Watts initially attempted to use “deceptive” tactics by denying the offences during his police interview. Nottingham Crown Court heard that forensic analysis of his mobile devices confirmed the “vile” text message conversations with the 13-year-old survivor. The investigation established that Watts’ transition from grooming to physical abuse was a “reprehensible” breach of child safety, leading him to eventually plead guilty to both the sexual and drug-related charges.
The Sentencing Judge noted that the combination of predatory sexual behaviour and drug dealing necessitated a significant custodial term. For his actions in Bestwood and Nottingham, Watts was handed a total sentence of five years and two months. The judge noted that to protect the public, Watts must register as a sex offender indefinitely and be subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and an indefinite restraining order.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Hesketh Watts is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 5 years and 2 months in prison (Sentenced 2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: 5-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order was active until 2024.
- Restraining Order: Indefinite order remains in place.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court following a Nottinghamshire Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Sexual activity with a child aged 13; Possession with intent to supply Class B drugs (Cannabis).
- Origin: Bestwood, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Watts was managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the police and the National Probation Service in Nottinghamshire. Due to the nature of his conduct in Bestwood, which involved the “vile” grooming of a child and active involvement in the drug trade, his management was a high priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his indefinite restraining order is a critical tool to ensure he can never contact the survivor again, while his registration ensures he is subject to strict monitoring now that his initial 2019 term has progressed.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Watts must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of “atrocious” predatory aggression in Nottingham necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to contact minors, engage in “shameful” drug dealing, 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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