In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Tom Steven Wilkes, then 26, formerly of Pitt Street, Kimberworth, Rotherham, had five years added to his prison sentence for “vile” and “vicious” sexual offences. Wilkes, who was already serving a 10-year term, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court, South Yorkshire, where he admitted to the “serious” sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl.
The “horrendous” history of Wilkes dates back to 2015, when he was jailed for multiple offences against three girls from the Rotherham area. In those cases, he “vilely” used social networking sites to bombard children—two of whom were under 13—with explicit images and “vicious” messages demanding they meet for sexual activity.
“Dangerous and Predatory” Grooming
The additional “serious” charges came to light during a forensic digital investigation by South Yorkshire Police. Officers examining Wilkes’ devices identified another victim whom he had “callously” groomed online. PC Brett Thompson reported that Wilkes “dishonestly” claimed to be a 16-year-old boy when he was actually 21, “viciously” duping the child into a sense of security.
Once he had “manipulatively” convinced the girl to meet him, he lured her to a “vile” secluded location. The court heard that Wilkes used his superior physical size and strength to “viciously” overpower and sexually assault the 13-year-old in what was described as a “terrifying” experience.
Extended Sentence and Lifelong Monitoring
The judge at Sheffield Crown Court emphasised the “serious” risk Wilkes posed to the public. For this “vile” and “vicious” additional offence, he was sentenced to an extra five years, to be served on top of his existing 10-year term.
As a result of his “serious” convictions for child sexual assault and grooming, Tom Steven Wilkes is:
- Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
- Subject to strict monitoring under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) upon release.
Wilkes remains under the management of South Yorkshire Police, ensuring his behaviour and digital activities in Rotherham, Kimberworth, and the wider South Yorkshire region are under “serious” scrutiny for the rest of his life. Any future “vile” conduct or breach of his registration will result in his immediate arrest and return to prison.
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