CHRISTOPHER HARDING FROM COVINGHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SWINDON

In a case that has drawn significant attention from the local community, 22-year-old Christopher Harding, a resident of Covingham, faced the court in Swindon Crown Court after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The incident involved a girl who was just 14 years old at the time, and the case has raised serious concerns about the exploitation of minors and the responsibilities of adults in safeguarding children.

According to court proceedings, Harding had met the young girl through mutual friends during the autumn of the previous year. At that time, the girl was only 13, and she had been babysitting for friends of Harding. It was during this period that Harding first encountered her, and it was noted that she appeared to have a liking for him. Flattered by her attention, Harding provided her with his phone number, which she used to contact him shortly afterward.

Prosecutor Robert Davies explained that Harding agreed to meet the girl and picked her up in his car. The two then drove to a secluded rural area, away from public view. Harding initially told police that he believed she was 15 years old and expressed concern about the age difference. However, the girl later told authorities that she was comfortable with the situation, citing that her older sister had a 31-year-old boyfriend when she was only 14.

During the police interview, Harding claimed that the girl had begun to perform a sexual act on him in the car, but he stopped her and drove her home. Interestingly, the girl did not mention this incident in her police statement but did disclose details of a subsequent encounter. About a week later, Harding again picked her up and took her to the countryside, where they engaged in sexual activity on the back seat of his vehicle. By this time, Harding was aware that she was a virgin and that it was her birthday, but he maintained that he believed she was turning 15.

Harding expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he felt ashamed both during and after the incidents. He also claimed that the girl had assured him she would not tell anyone about what had happened. Despite this, the girl confided in a friend, revealing that she had lost her virginity to Harding, and eventually, this information reached her mother.

Harding pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in sexual activity with a child. His defense attorney, Robin Shellard, emphasized Harding’s remorse and shame, noting that he had previously been accused of rape, a charge that was dropped in May. Shellard argued that Harding had learned a harsh lesson and was genuinely sorry for his actions.

Judge John McNaught sentenced Harding to nine months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, allowing Harding the opportunity to participate in a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program. Additionally, Harding was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of five years. The judge made it clear that Harding’s actions were unacceptable and that the young girl was too young to be involved in such circumstances. The court’s decision reflected a balance between punishment and the chance for rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the protection of minors in the community.