JESSE LEGG SENTENCED IN CHRISTCHURCH FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the Christchurch community, Jesse Legg, a 23-year-old man from Knowles Close in Christchurch, was sentenced to four years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple serious sexual offences involving a young girl. The court heard that Legg had engaged in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16, an act that has left lasting scars on the victim and has brought to light disturbing details of abuse.

The allegations surfaced in April 2017 when the victim confided in her mother about her encounters with Legg. Following her disclosure, her mother insisted on a pregnancy test, which confirmed that the girl was pregnant. This revelation prompted immediate concern and action from her family, leading to police involvement and the subsequent investigation.

During the court proceedings at Bournemouth Crown Court, it was revealed that Legg had initially denied the allegations, even calling emergency services to claim that the girl was making false accusations against him. Judge Peter Crabtree OBE emphasized that this lie was an aggravating factor in the case, highlighting the defendant’s attempt to deny responsibility.

The court was shown a police video interview with the victim, in which she described her life as being “torn apart” by the abuse. She expressed her ongoing struggles to rebuild her life and shared that her pregnancy was terminated due to the trauma she endured. The judge noted that the victim suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and has made several attempts to take her own life, underscoring the severe psychological impact of the offences.

Judge Crabtree issued a stern warning at the outset, instructing all present in the courtroom, including members of the public gallery, not to publish any information that could identify the victim. This included social media posts and online sharing, to protect her privacy and safety.

Addressing the defendant directly, the judge condemned Legg’s actions, stating, “You have taken advantage of her for your own sexual gratification.” He emphasized the profound and ongoing harm caused to the victim by Legg’s misconduct. The court also ordered that Legg be subject to indefinite notification requirements and a sexual harm prevention order, which will remain in effect until further notice.

In addition to his prison sentence, the court decided not to award any compensation to the victim, as Judge Crabtree explained that quantifying such damages was impossible given the extent of the harm inflicted.

During the proceedings, a court usher observed one of Legg’s friends in the public gallery holding a mobile phone aloft. The officer confiscated the device to ensure it was not being used to record or live-stream the hearing. The owner of the phone was later spoken to by Judge Crabtree, who warned that any future recordings or online postings could constitute a criminal offence, potentially leading to arrest and further legal action.

This case has once again highlighted the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people and the devastating consequences of abuse. The Christchurch community and beyond are reminded of the critical need for vigilance and support for victims of such heinous crimes.