In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Jerome Blackburn, then 33, of Edgbaston, was sentenced to seven years in prison at Birmingham Crown Court. On Tuesday, 20 January 2026, Blackburn was jailed for a series of “abhorrent” sexual assaults dating back nearly 20 years.
The investigation established that the abuse began in 2008 when the victim was a six-year-old boy known to Blackburn. The victim, now in his 20s, first contacted West Midlands Police in 2020 to report the “horrific” details of the non-recent crimes. Despite Blackburn being arrested and charged, he denied the offences throughout the legal process.
Trial and Judicial Findings
Following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court in December 2025, a jury found Blackburn guilty of the following “vicious” charges:
- Two counts of rape of a child under 13.
- Two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13.
PC Connor Jones, the investigating officer, emphasised the “tremendous courage and bravery” shown by the victim in reporting the abuse so many years later. The officer reported that specialist teams supported the man throughout the investigation and subsequent trial to ensure justice was finally served.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his “depraved” crimes in Birmingham, Jerome Blackburn was handed the following:
- Custodial Sentence: Seven years in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed for life.
- Licence Supervision: Blackburn will remain under strict supervision upon his eventual release.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Blackburn is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by West Midlands Police. His history of targeting a vulnerable six-year-old child means his status remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Blackburn must comply with strict notification requirements regarding his address and digital activity. West Midlands Police state that they take every report of sexual assault seriously, regardless of how much time has passed. Any breach of his registration conditions or his release licence will result in his immediate return to Birmingham Crown Court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.