JAMES HORTOP FROM BLUNSDON CONVICTED OVER SEXUAL INCIDENT WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SWINDON

In October 2003, a young man from Swindon faced legal consequences after being involved in a sexual incident with a minor. James Hortop, an 18-year-old scaffolder residing in Huntshill, Blunsdon, was brought before Swindon Magistrates Court and received a conditional discharge for a period of one year. The court proceedings revealed that Hortop had admitted to engaging in what was described as sexual canoodling with a girl who was under the age of 16.

According to the prosecution, Rob Welling, the court heard that the girl, who was only 14 at the time, had spent an evening in a caravan at the bottom of her parents' garden, consuming alcohol with friends. During this night, she left the caravan with Hortop, and the two engaged in a mutual sexual act. Although the girl reportedly consented at the time, the court clarified that the act was illegal because she was underage, making it an offence regardless of her apparent consent.

Rob Ross, representing Hortop, argued that his client was being prosecuted for an act that many might not realize was illegal. He emphasized that Hortop had no prior criminal record and suggested that the incident might have been a common youthful mistake. The defense also pointed out that Hortop was initially arrested for a more serious offence, but police later accepted that the girl was not truthful in her initial interview. Ross further noted that Hortop would now be required to register as a sex offender, although he believed the act was not intended to be of a serious or predatory nature.

As part of the court's ruling, Hortop was ordered to pay £80 in prosecution costs. Additionally, he will remain on the sex offenders register for a period of five years, a measure that underscores the seriousness with which the legal system treats offences involving minors and sexual activity.