EDWARD POLLARD FROM WITHYWOOD JAILED FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SWINDON
In September 2009, a man named Edward Pollard, aged 40, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl.The incident took place in Swindon, where Pollard resided in Withywood, and involved a disturbing case of grooming and exploitation.
Pollard, a father of two daughters aged 16 and 17, had met the young girl through their shared interest in football.
The girl and her father, whose identities remain confidential, had developed a relationship with Pollard through attending football matches together.
During these outings, Pollard was given the girl’s mobile phone number in case she became lost or needed assistance.
Over time, their communication extended beyond casual messages, with Pollard beginning to send increasingly suggestive texts.
These messages included expressions of love and references to sexual acts, which raised concerns among those close to the girl.
Prosecutor Lynne Matthews told Swindon Crown Court that despite a lengthy interview with the girl, she did not initially report any sexual activity.
However, when police questioned Pollard after denying any wrongdoing, he eventually admitted to having sex with the girl on one occasion.
The court heard that Pollard often took the girl’s side during arguments with her parents, further complicating the situation and indicating a manipulative pattern of behavior.
Concerned about the amount of time the two spent together, the girl’s family eventually examined her mobile phone and discovered incriminating messages that confirmed their suspicions.
These messages revealed a troubling pattern of inappropriate communication and emotional manipulation.
Pollard, who was living on Sherrin Way in Withywood, pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual activity with a child.
During the trial, defense lawyer Mark Ruffell explained that Pollard was deeply remorseful, emphasizing that he was a father to two daughters and was horrified by his actions.
Ruffell described how the girl had been thrown out of her home on the night of the incident and had called Pollard, asking if she could stay with him.
After sharing a meal, during which both consumed alcohol and Pollard became intoxicated, the two engaged in sexual intercourse.
Ruffell acknowledged the conflicting emotions Pollard experienced—shame and infatuation—highlighting the complexity of his client’s state of mind.
Judge William Hart sentenced Pollard to 18 months in prison, emphasizing the importance of protecting young girls from exploitation and the need to prevent older men from preying on minors.
The judge stated that Pollard had befriended the girl, gained her trust, and believed he was in love with her or at least infatuated.
The court also imposed additional penalties, including a lifelong ban from working with children, a sexual offences prevention order, and a requirement for Pollard to register as a sex offender for ten years.
