East London News A Force for the community…
POLICE HAVE praised a group of children for bravely speaking up and helping to ensure that a serial sex offender who targeted children and teenagers was stopped in his tracks – and locked up.
The offender is Peter Michael Fisher, 20, of Dagenham. He appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 5th January, where he pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual communication with a child, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of malicious communication, one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act –and possession of indecent photographs of a child.
He returned to Court in early May and was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, as well as being placed on the Sex Offenders Register and being made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order – the last two both “until further notice”. Fisher had pleaded not guilty to two counts of malicious communication and the prosecution agreed that these charges should lie on file.
The offences were all committed between October 2016 and September 2017 at Fisher’s home address in Dagenham and while Fisher was on holiday at Great Yarmouth, and all the offences involved eight young females.
Two of Fisher’s victims reported him in August 2017. He was placed on conditional bail while the police investigated. This led to the police becoming aware of further allegations and obtaining evidence and as a result they re-arrested Fisher in the November. The allegations of the victims and the evidence collected were put to him, and he then admitted the offences.
Police praise brave victims
Detective Constable Steve Gradwell from the Metropolitan Police Sexual Exploitation Team (SET), said, “I would like to praise the children for their courage in speaking to officers and providing vital evidence to prosecute Fisher. Many of them were victims of online sexual offences and did not recognise that they were being abused. He used his social media profile to gain their trust and share intimate photos and then used those images to coerce his victims into sexual activity.”
Stay safe on social media
DC Gradwell also reminded the public of very important information about how to stay safe on social media. He said, “My advice to any child or young person is: do not share pictures online that you would find embarrassing if anyone else, such as your friends or parents, were to see them as you have no control over the images once sent. But if you are worried about someone sharing intimate pictures of you online please don’t let embarrassment stop you from contacting the police.
“Alternatively, online abuse can be reported online to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP). Advice on online grooming can be found on many websites such as the NSPCC.”
Finally, DC Gradwell pointed out that although the police investigation was thorough, any other victims of Fisher should come forward now. “Fisher is a prolific sexual offender,” he said, “and it cannot be discounted that he has sexually abused other people. If you have been a victim of Fisher, please contact the Met’s Sexual Exploitation Team on 020-8217 9817 – specially trained officers are there to support you.”
•Read more about it:
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