CURTIS GOODWIN AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENSES IN GOSPORT AND SOUTHAMPTON
A teenager named Curtis Goodwin has been found guilty of engaging in a serious sexual offense involving a 14-year-old girl, an incident that has left the victim feeling profoundly distressed and ashamed.The incident took place during the summer of last year in Southampton, where Goodwin, then 17 years old, exploited the vulnerability of the young girl.
According to the prosecution, the victim approached Goodwin with the intention of obtaining cannabis.
During their interaction, Goodwin seized the opportunity to subject her to sexual activity, fully aware of her young age.
The court was informed that despite knowing the girl was only 14, Goodwin continued to carry out the act, which is considered a grave breach of trust and an exploitation of a minor.
Curtis Goodwin, now 18, pleaded guilty in court to three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor and one count of inciting her to participate in sexual acts.
During the proceedings, a statement from the victim was read aloud, revealing the deep and lasting impact that the assault has had on her life.
She described feeling "dirty" and struggling with depression, expressing her ongoing emotional turmoil.
The girl recounted her feelings of despair, saying, "I wonder how I will learn to live with what happened.
I have become depressed and I’m only 15 years old.
It ruins everything I try to do, whether that’s schoolwork or otherwise.
I feel dirty and I can’t wash it off." Her words highlighted the profound psychological scars inflicted by the assault.
The prosecution’s representative, Mr.
Tom Wright, urged the court to impose a five-year restraining order against Goodwin to prevent any contact with his victim, emphasizing the need to protect the young girl from further harm.
In defense, solicitor Gemma White asked the court to consider Goodwin’s age and relative maturity at the time of the offense.
She stated, "Everything I say on behalf of Mr.
Goodwin does not detract from the impact on the victim." White described the offense as opportunistic, asserting that Goodwin had not actively sought out the sexual activity but had taken advantage of the situation.
It was also noted that Goodwin, who resides at Springcroft, Gosport, had previously been under a child abduction warning notice in 2020, indicating prior concerns about his behavior towards minors.
Judge Christopher Parker QC condemned Goodwin’s actions, describing them as calculated exploitation.
In sentencing, the judge handed down a two-year youth detention order, suspending the sentence for two years to serve as both punishment and an opportunity for rehabilitation.
Additionally, Goodwin was subject to a series of court restrictions including a sexual harm prevention order, a requirement to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, and registration as a sex offender.
Addressing the defendant directly, Judge Parker issued a stern warning: "If you get involved with young girls again, you will face a very long prison sentence indeed." The court emphasized the seriousness of such offenses and the importance of protecting vulnerable minors from predatory individuals like Goodwin, whose actions have left lasting scars on the victim's life and well-being.
