James Gillesphey 65

Description

James Gillesphey, 65, Blyth attempted child sex offences

A married grandfather from Blyth has been given a suspended sentence after being caught in a police sting trying to communicate sexually with a child.

James Gillesphey, 65, contacted an undercover officer on FabGuys in August 2025. The officer, known in court as Z, had a profile suggesting he was in his 20s. The pair moved the conversation to Snapchat, where Z said he was actually 14 and would understand if Gillesphey no longer wanted to talk. Gillesphey said he did, and the chat continued.

Z sent a picture purporting to show himself as a 14-year-old boy. Gillesphey sent an image of himself, asked whether Zs parents monitored his phone, and was told Z was careful. They discussed sexual experiences and exchanged further pictures. Gillesphey said he would like Z as a mate and more and went on to discuss sexual activity.

On another occasion, Z said he would be visiting his father and would have to be careful. Topless images were exchanged. When Z asked whether the things they had discussed would happen in real life, Gillesphey said he was unsure about meeting. He then asked for a naked image and was sent an indecent image.

They discussed meeting while Gillespheys wife was due to be away. He later cancelled the proposed meetup.

Gillesphey, who has a previous conviction for drink-driving from 2025, pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempted sexual communication with a child. He was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must sign the sex offenders register and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

Recorder Jonathan Sandiford KC said: You have a sexual interest in young people, despite your denials, and that came out when you had too much to drink.

Nicoletta Alistari, defending, said Gillesphey had significant alcohol and mental health problems and felt shame about his behaviour. She said he had a difficult childhood and that his brothers death had caused his mental health to spiral. Miss Alistari said: This was a temporary aberration at a point where his mental health was at breakdown point. It was a first but he stopped himself going any further.

The court heard he has suffered two aneurysms linked to the stress of the case and has mobility issues.