In 2017, the Offender Database recorded that Richard James, then 45, of Sovereign Gate, Southsea, Hampshire, was jailed for six years after attempting to kidnap an 11-year-old schoolgirl. On Friday, 16 June 2017, James appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court for sentencing. The court reported that the defendant, armed with a meat cleaver and a knife, chased the young girl down a residential street in Portsmouth, Hampshire, in broad daylight.
The investigation established that the incident was only thwarted by the quick actions of two teenagers who witnessed the chase in Binsteed Road, Buckland. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary reported that the teenagers shouted at James, causing him to flee, and managed to take a clear photograph of him as he walked away. The prosecution reported that this “crucial” image allowed officers to identify and arrest James shortly after the attempted snatch.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that when James was arrested, he was found in possession of a meat cleaver, a kitchen knife, and a “kidnap kit” that included masking tape and cable ties. Portsmouth Crown Court heard that the defendant had been loitering near the schoolgirl before suddenly lunging at her. The prosecution reported that James had a history of “predatory” interests and that the intervention of the public undoubtedly prevented a “catastrophic” outcome for the victim.
Judge Roger Hetherington noted that the teenagers’ bravery in taking the photograph was “highly commendable.” For his actions in Portsmouth, Hampshire, James pleaded guilty to attempted kidnap and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon. The judge noted that the custodial sentence was necessary to protect the public from a man who had clearly planned a violent and predatory attack on a child.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Richard James was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Six years in prison.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court following an investigation in Buckland, Portsmouth.
- Criminal Record: Convicted of attempted kidnap and weapons offences.
Monitoring and Public Protection
James is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and the prison estate. Due to the “extreme and armed” nature of the kidnap attempt in Portsmouth, Hampshire, his management is subject to the highest level of oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, James must comply with notification requirements regarding his identity and residence for the remainder of his life. Authorities state that his possession of a “kidnap kit” necessitates permanent and stringent monitoring of his movements and access to potential weapons. Any breach of his registration conditions or his licence terms upon release will result in immediate arrest and a return to Portsmouth Crown Court.
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