JACK MARRIOTT FROM ELLESMERE PORT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL GROOMING OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN CHESTER

In December 2020, a disturbing case emerged involving a man from Ellesmere Port who was convicted of grooming a young girl for sexual acts. Jack Marriott-Levett, aged 24, faced serious legal consequences after pleading guilty to two counts of inciting a 14-year-old girl—who is legally protected and therefore unnamed—to engage in sexual activities.

Marriott-Levett appeared before Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, December 8, where he was sentenced to a two-year prison term. However, this sentence was suspended for 18 months, meaning he would not serve time immediately but would be under supervision during this period. Additionally, the court imposed a comprehensive 10-year restraining order, explicitly prohibiting any form of contact with his young victim.

Prosecutor Paulinus Barnes detailed the investigation, revealing that police had been alerted to concerns about potential grooming between Marriott-Levett and the girl when he was an adult and she was only 14. An interview with the victim uncovered a pattern of communication through numerous text messages exchanged over several months. These messages, examined by authorities, included explicit references to sexual acts. It was noted that the first explicit mention of a specific sexual act appeared when someone else had temporarily taken control of the victim’s phone and sent a message suggesting such acts.

Further conversations between Marriott-Levett and the girl discussed sexual activities that had already occurred and arrangements for future encounters. When questioned, Marriott-Levett admitted to sending these messages but was unable to provide a clear explanation for his actions. The police also found that he could not justify his behavior, which was deemed highly inappropriate given the girl’s age.

The court heard a personal statement from the victim, read aloud during the proceedings. She expressed that at the time, she did not fully realize the extent to which the incident had affected her mental health. She revealed she was suffering from anxiety and depression, struggling to cope with her emotions, and finding it difficult to trust others—an indication of the profound impact the grooming had on her well-being.

Judge Simon Berkson acknowledged the seriousness of the offences, emphasizing that the victim was particularly vulnerable. He noted that the victim had written a heartfelt and moving personal statement. While recognizing the gravity of the crimes, the judge also pointed out that the offences had occurred some time ago and that Marriott-Levett had admitted guilt early in the process.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Marriott-Levett was ordered to complete 35 days of rehabilitation activities and participate in a sexual offending treatment program accredited by authorities. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for a decade and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same period. Furthermore, all devices used by Marriott-Levett to communicate with the victim were to be confiscated and destroyed, aiming to prevent any future contact or misconduct.

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about grooming and exploitation of minors, and the importance of swift legal action to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.