ARMED FORCES VETERAN JAILED FOR PAYING TEEN FOR SEX
A horrified mother discovered that Ian Ratcliffe, an armed forces veteran, had been paying her son hundreds of pounds in cash to engage in a series of sexual acts after she checked her son's Xbox.Ratcliffe, who resides on Poynter Street in St Helens, had arranged to meet the teenage boy after they connected via Facebook.
The 17-year-old victim, initially seeking odd jobs and gardening work, was contacted by Ratcliffe and subsequently began working in his garden.
The perpetrator then started messaging the teen, asking if he was 'horny' and proposing that they perform sex acts together in what he called 'races'.
Ratcliffe paid the boy £50 on several occasions to participate in sexual activities, including oral sex, offering the money to attend a music festival.
The mother grew suspicious and found messages on her son's Xbox, which led to her discovering the abuse.
The teenager became distraught and was taken to hospital.
Ratcliffe, who denied understanding that paying for sexual services from a 17-year-old was a crime, claimed their activities were consensual and occurred over nine weeks.
He was charged and pleaded guilty to paying for the sexual services of a child.
During sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Stuart Driver KC acknowledged Ratcliffe's good character and military service, noting he was not aware that his acts were criminal.
The court sentenced him to an eight-month imprisonment suspended for a year, with requirements for rehabilitation and alcohol treatment, plus a 10-year restraining order.
The judge warned that if Ratcliffe reoffends, he could expect to serve prison time.
