2005: BIDFORD MAN JAILED FOR SEX ABUSE OF GIRL
A man from Bidford, who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl after agreeing with her father to give her a ride home, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.Warwick Crown Court was told that Christopher Darling believed the girl was between 16 and 17 years old, but he was aware of her actual age because her father and a staff member informed him.
Darling, aged 26 and residing on High Street, Bidford, had admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a minor and was also ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years following his release.
According to prosecutor Stuart Baker, Darling had been told about the girl’s age by her father during a previous conversation and was introduced to her by him.
The three met later at a pub, where Darling offered to take the girl home.
Before leaving, they visited another pub and shared drinks.
It was established that sexual activity took place at Darling’s residence before the girl’s parents arrived to pick her up.
In his defense, Simon Phillips stated that Darling was somewhat socially isolated since his divorce, emphasizing, "He is not blameless, but he is not a predatory offender.
He is a young man who, under the influence of alcohol, committed a serious mistake." Judge Richard Cole, sentencing Darling, remarked, "This is a serious offence.
You took advantage of a young girl whom you must have known was under 16." He added, "While consent is a key issue, and Darling argued that she was consenting—possibly egging him on or encouraging him—the legislation aims to protect young girls from individuals like you who should know better."
