DAVID KNOWLES SHOCKS STOKE WITH SEXUAL MISCONDUCT INVOLVING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In December 2016, David Knowles, a 44-year-old man from Stoke, was sentenced to prison after a series of disturbing sexual offenses involving a teenage girl. The case revealed a troubling pattern of manipulation and predatory behavior that culminated in criminal charges and a significant custodial sentence.

According to court proceedings, Knowles initially established contact with the girl through social media, specifically Facebook. After exchanging messages, he provided her with his mobile number, which marked the beginning of a more personal and invasive communication. Prosecutor Glyn Samuels detailed how Knowles started to make increasingly flirtatious and suggestive inquiries, gradually escalating the nature of their interactions and proposing that they meet in person.

The girl responded to his invitation and met him at a supermarket car park in Stoke, specifically outside Sainsbury’s. She entered his vehicle, where he proceeded to touch her leg over her clothing, an act that marked the start of their physical relationship. Over time, the two engaged in a consensual sexual relationship, during which Knowles repeatedly asked her to pose for topless and seductive photographs. The court heard that he referred to her using derogatory terms such as 'slut' and 'whore' in their messages, indicating a pattern of degrading language and manipulation.

Further disturbing details emerged during the trial. Knowles encouraged the girl to send him indecent images and videos of herself, requesting explicit photographs and even asking to take pictures of her during sexual acts. The relationship, however, eventually ended when Knowles’ wife discovered a pair of the girl’s knickers in his pillowcase, a discovery that led to the relationship’s termination and brought the criminal behavior to light.

Knowles, who was residing at Spark Terrace in Stoke at the time, pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child and inciting a girl to produce child sexual images. The court was told that his actions were motivated by sexual desire and a desire for thrill-seeking, with the defendant’s behavior described as manipulative and predatory by Judge David Fletcher.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Fletcher emphasized the gravity of Knowles’ actions. He pointed out that touching the girl’s leg was a clear indication of sexual motivation and that the content of their communications revealed a depraved and fantasized mindset. The judge noted that the girl had gone along with the role play dictated by Knowles, which further underscored the manipulative nature of his conduct. The judge also acknowledged that Knowles admitted to a probation officer that his behavior was immoral due to the significant age difference.

As part of his sentence, Knowles was handed a 14-month prison term. Additionally, the court imposed a restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl or approaching within 100 meters of her residence, which will remain in effect until further notice. Furthermore, Knowles will be registered as a sex offender for the next ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring and protection of the community.