GEMMA HOWE FROM MARCH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN NORWICH

In August 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Gemma Howe, a 30-year-old woman from St Peter's Road, March, Cambridgeshire, who was found guilty of encouraging a young girl to take explicit photographs. The incident took place in the context of Howe's infatuation with a man, which led her to persuade a 13-year-old girl to pose for approximately five nude images. Howe instructed the girl to keep the matter confidential, emphasizing the need for secrecy about what had transpired.

During the trial at King's Lynn Crown Court, Howe denied allegations of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under the age of 13. However, the court found her guilty after the proceedings. The emotional toll was evident as Howe appeared tearful while in the dock. Following her conviction, she was brought before Norwich Crown Court for sentencing.

Judge Andrew Shaw delivered the sentence, which included a 12-month jail term that was suspended for two years. Additionally, Howe was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, explicitly prohibiting her from having unsupervised contact with any girl under the age of 16. To further protect the community, she was also placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years.

In his remarks, Judge Shaw condemned Howe's actions, stating, "You required a 13-year-old child to take images on a phone so you could send it to another man. It is utterly shameful." As part of her rehabilitation and monitoring, Howe was ordered to attend a specialized women's sexual offenders programme, emphasizing the seriousness of her misconduct and the importance of preventing future offenses.