JAKE MARSHALL GROOMED AND HAD SEX WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SHOREHAM

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Shoreham community, Jake Marshall, aged 24, was found guilty of grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl he met through social media. The incident dates back to December 2015, when Marshall, then 21, initiated contact with the young girl via Facebook, a platform increasingly scrutinized for its role in facilitating such crimes.

According to court proceedings at Hove Crown Court, the communication between Marshall and the girl was marked by clear indications of his intent to meet her in person. Prosecutor Walton Hornsby detailed how the messages exchanged between them suggested a desire on Marshall’s part to arrange a face-to-face meeting, despite knowing her age was under 16. The court was told that after establishing contact, Marshall traveled to his home in Corbyn Crescent, Shoreham, where the two engaged in consensual sexual activity. The girl, who had a history of running away from home on multiple occasions, was reportedly vulnerable and impressionable, raising concerns about the nature of their interaction.

During the investigation, Marshall-Inns was found to have asked the girl to delete the text messages exchanged between them, a move often associated with attempts to conceal illicit activity. He subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of grooming a girl under 16 and possession of cannabis. However, the girl did not cooperate fully with police authorities, which meant that a charge of sexual activity with a girl under 16 was allowed to remain on file without further prosecution.

Marshall-Inns, who had no prior criminal record, faced a serious sentencing hearing. Judge Rennie acknowledged the gravity of the grooming offense but decided against immediate imprisonment, opting instead to suspend a 16-month custodial sentence for two years. The judge emphasized that the grooming was a serious matter but took into account Marshall’s early guilty plea, which earned him some leniency.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Marshall was ordered to participate in 35 sex offender rehabilitation group sessions and 20 community-based rehabilitation activity days. Furthermore, he was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will remain in effect for ten years, restricting his access to young girls. As part of his ongoing legal obligations, he was also required to register as a sex offender. The court’s decision reflects the serious concern surrounding the case and highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors from exploitation and harm in the digital age.