CALLUM JARDINE FROM CONSETT SHOCKS TEESSIDE COURT WITH SEXUAL GROOMING OF SCHOOLGIRL IN SPENNYMOOR

In a disturbing case heard at Teesside Crown Court, Callum Jardine, a 22-year-old man from Consett, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a minor and grooming a young girl in Spennymoor. The incident has left a lasting impact on the victim, highlighting the serious consequences of predatory behavior.

According to court proceedings, Jardine initiated contact with the schoolgirl through social media platforms. His messages were flirtatious and inappropriate, as he referred to her as “babe,” complimented her beauty, and ended each exchange with at least 20 kisses. The young girl, who was vulnerable at the time, described feeling special and believed that there was a future between them. Unbeknownst to her, Jardine was already in a committed relationship and had a child, facts he concealed from her during their interactions.

Jardine traveled from his residence in Spennymoor to the girl’s home in order to meet her. During this visit, he engaged in sexual activity with her while her mother was away at work, an act that has been described as both predatory and exploitative. The victim later revealed that discovering Jardine’s true circumstances and his deception has profoundly affected her trust in males. She expressed that her experiences have led to failed relationships and ongoing emotional scars.

In her impact statement, the girl shared her feelings about the ordeal. She said, “When I first met Callum, he made me feel really happy, and how he spoke to me made me feel special. I felt like I had someone in my life who liked me and wanted to be with me. Finding out he was in a relationship with someone else really hurt. I let him take my virginity because I thought he was the one. I was really upset and so jealous. I thought he loved me. He told me often. He has left a permanent scar, that will never go away.”

Judge Stephen Ashurst addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of the case. He pointed out the significant age difference between Jardine and the girl, stating, “There was an enormous age gap.” The judge also highlighted the emotional and psychological damage caused, noting that Jardine’s actions have adversely affected her view of future relationships.

Judge Ashurst condemned Jardine’s behavior as “extremely selfish,” criticizing his failure to comprehend the impact of his actions. He underscored that the law is designed to protect young girls from exploitation and predatory behavior, regardless of their initial willingness to engage in a relationship. The judge made it clear that Jardine’s conduct was unacceptable and morally wrong.

Following his conviction, Jardine, who was 20 at the time of the offenses, was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Additionally, he was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that restricts his access to social media and prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with females under the age of 18. Jardine’s current residence is on Derwent Street in Consett, and he faces the serious consequences of his actions as part of ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse.