ALEXANDER LUCAS SENTENCED IN BRIDPORT FOR SEX WITH 13-YEAR-OLDS

In August 2007, a young man from Bridport named Alexander Lucas was handed a two-year sentence to serve in a Young Offender Institution following serious allegations involving underage girls. The case was heard at Dorchester Crown Court, where the court was informed that Lucas, aged 18 at the time, engaged in sexual activities with two girls, both only 13 years old.

One of the most troubling aspects of the case was that Lucas managed to impregnate one of the girls while he was out on bail for the initial offense. The court heard that it was only after forensic evidence conclusively proved he was the father that Lucas finally admitted to having sexual relations with her. This incident reportedly took place in a park in Bridport during an evening when both individuals were intoxicated. The court was also told that Lucas initially denied having any sexual contact with the first girl until medical and forensic evidence confirmed otherwise.

Lucas, who resides at Court Orchard in Bridport, was already registered as a sex offender following earlier guilty pleas to two counts of sexual activity with a minor. The judge, Christopher Harvey Clark, ordered that Lucas serve half of his two-year sentence before being eligible for release on licence. Additionally, Lucas was prohibited from working with children under the age of 18, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety.

Prosecutor Clifford Grier provided details of the incidents. The first took place at the home of a mutual friend where Lucas had spent the night. The girl confided in her school friends and later in a teacher about the incident. Following her disclosures, Lucas was arrested. Initially, he claimed that the sexual contact was merely a hug, denying any sexual activity. However, after the girl underwent a medical examination, forensic evidence indicated sexual intercourse had occurred. Lucas then changed his account, claiming he believed the girl was 14 and thought that was the legal age for sex. Regarding the second girl, Lucas admitted to having been drinking alcohol during the incident but claimed he could not remember the details. He did, however, acknowledge that he knew she was only 13. The girl involved in the second incident subsequently had an abortion.

Representing Lucas, lawyer Frank Abbott highlighted his client’s vulnerabilities, including a diagnosis of ADHD. Abbott explained that Lucas had not been managing his medication properly earlier in the year when the offenses took place but was now on medication and reportedly more in control. He emphasized that Lucas faced educational, intellectual, and clinical disadvantages, describing him as highly immature and in need of support to lead a normal life. Abbott also expressed concern that Lucas was vulnerable and would suffer in custody.

The judge acknowledged that, according to sentencing guidelines, a custodial sentence of four years might have been appropriate. However, considering Lucas’s age, the fact that the girls had consented, his ADHD diagnosis, and the overall context, the court decided on a lesser sentence. The judge stated, “I don’t suggest that you being sent to a YOI is necessarily of benefit to you but there must be an element of deterrence to deter other young men who think sex with young girls is acceptable.” The court’s decision aimed to balance punishment with the recognition of Lucas’s circumstances and the need to prevent similar offenses in the future.