JOHN FINNEY FROM QUARRY BANK SENTENCED IN TELFORD FOR SEXUAL ACTS WITH UNDERAGE GIRLS

In a case that has drawn significant attention, John Finney, a 20-year-old resident of Quarry Bank near Dudley, has been sentenced to serve time in a young offenders institution following his involvement in sexual activities with two underage girls in Telford Town Park. The incident, which took place in August 2013, involved Finney engaging in sexual acts with a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl, both of whom were minors at the time.

During the proceedings at Shrewsbury Crown Court, it was established that Finney was aware of the girls' ages. The court was informed that he had previously met the 14-year-old girl on two occasions, during which he had bought her a child ticket for ice skating, an act that indicated he knew she was underage. The two had met twice before and had even made arrangements to buy a tent and meet at Telford Town Park for further contact.

Furthermore, the second incident involved Finney meeting a 13-year-old girl. The situation came to light when the girl’s stepfather discovered the relationship and contacted the police, leading to Finney’s arrest. During police interviews, Finney admitted to the allegations fully and without hesitation.

Judge Robin Onions, presiding over the case, sentenced Finney to a total of 18 months in a young offenders institution. The sentence was divided into 16 months for the two sexual acts, which were both consensual, and an additional two months for failing to notify police of a change in his address, a breach of legal obligations. In addition to his custodial sentence, Finney was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.

Judge Onions acknowledged that while the acts were consensual, the fact remained that the girls were underage, and Finney was aware of this. The judge also noted that although Finney was 20 years old, he appeared to have some mental health issues that affected his cognitive development. Despite this, the judge emphasized that Finney knew his actions were wrong and should have ceased.

Mr. Andrew Wilkins, representing the prosecution, highlighted the details of the case, emphasizing Finney’s prior contact with the 14-year-old girl and the circumstances surrounding the second girl. He pointed out that Finney’s behavior was predatory and that he had bought a ticket for ice skating, which further demonstrated his awareness of the girls’ underage status.

Mr. Lee Masters, defending Finney, acknowledged his client’s mental health struggles, which he argued should be taken into consideration during sentencing. Nonetheless, the court’s decision reflected the seriousness of the offenses and the need to protect minors from such predatory behavior.