GEORGE HARRIS FROM WICKHAM MARKET JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SUFFOLK

In a case that has shocked the community of Wickham Market, Suffolk, Geoffrey Harris, a 50-year-old man, has been sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a girl who was only 14 years old. The incident, which took place in June of the previous year, involved Harris exchanging numerous text messages with the young girl before arranging to meet her at his residence for sexual encounters.

At Ipswich Crown Court, it was revealed that Harris, who was 49 at the time of the offenses, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a minor. The court heard that both offenses occurred on the same evening, highlighting the gravity and immediacy of the situation. In addition to his prison sentence, Judge John Holt imposed an indefinite sexual offences prevention order on Harris, aiming to prevent any future contact with minors.

The case was brought to light after the girl’s mother grew increasingly concerned about her daughter’s behavior. The mother became alarmed when her daughter expressed a desire to go to the cinema with Harris. She immediately refused, explaining that Harris was as old as her father and that it would be inappropriate for her to spend time with him, comparing it to the inappropriateness of her father taking one of her school friends out.

Further investigation revealed troubling entries in the girl’s diary. The prosecutor, Godfried Duah, stated that the diary contained references to Harris “talking dirty” to her and the girl expressing her love for him. The diary also detailed that she had slept with Harris on two separate occasions, both on June 19 of the previous year. The girl admitted that Harris had worn a condom during both encounters, which was confirmed during her confrontation with her mother.

Defense attorney Peter Barlex highlighted that Harris had cooperated fully by admitting to the offenses early on and had no prior criminal record. He emphasized that Harris had previously worked with young people and that there was no history of such behavior. “He doesn’t have any specific attraction to girls of around 14. It was a situation that developed,” Barlex explained. He added that Harris was remorseful, stating, “He bitterly regrets it. He could have said ‘no’ at any time and he now has to live with the consequences.”

Judge Holt’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation and abuse in the community of Wickham Market.