LETCHWORTH MAN BRIAN PURKISS SENTENCED TO 12 MONTHS FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Letchworth, Brian Purkiss, a 25-year-old resident of Campers Avenue, was handed a prison sentence of 12 months at Huntingdon Crown Court after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The court proceedings revealed that Purkiss had been involved in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl, whom he met through a mutual friend back in 2013. The relationship persisted over several months, with Purkiss meeting the girl in his car and at Milton Country Park, a popular local outdoor area.

During the court hearing, prosecutor Claire Matthews detailed that the girl had sent Purkiss a message early in their acquaintance, explicitly stating her age as only 14. Despite this, Purkiss responded dismissively, claiming that her age was irrelevant. The situation came to light in 2014 when the girl’s family grew suspicious of her interactions and decided to contact law enforcement authorities. An investigation was launched, which uncovered a significant amount of digital evidence, including hundreds of text messages and phone calls exchanged between Purkiss and the girl. Some of these messages had been deleted but were recovered from his phone, further implicating him in the case.

Judge Jonathan Cooper addressed Purkiss directly during sentencing, criticizing his apparent lack of remorse and noting that he still had “a lot of growing up to do.” The judge ordered that Purkiss serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole or early release, with the remainder to be served under supervision until the full term concludes. Additionally, Purkiss was mandated to register as a sex offender, and he was prohibited from contacting the victim for a period of ten years. Furthermore, he was banned from working with children indefinitely, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of minors in the community of Letchworth.