JOHN HOPPER

SCUNTHORPE MAN JAILED FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING TEENAGE GIRL SEEKING REFUGE

John Hopper, a 33-year-old man formerly residing on Bolsover Road in Scunthorpe, was sentenced to six years in prison for engaging in sexual activity with a teenage girl under the age of 16.

Hopper admitted to three counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16, as well as possessing indecent images of her on his phone.

The court heard that the girl, who was seeking refuge after a dispute with her mother, was told by a friend that Hopper could offer her a place to stay.

Hopper initially provided her with a bed while he slept on the sofa, but then joined her in the bed, which marked the first of three sexual offences.

Despite knowing she was under 16, Hopper engaged in sexual activity with her again two weeks later, after she returned to his home.

Her family reported her missing, and she was eventually found and interviewed by police, during which she expressed her fear and vulnerability, stating, 'I was vulnerable at the time and he took advantage of me.

It has massively knocked my confidence.' Hopper's phone was seized, revealing indecent images of the girl.

The judge, Gurdial Singh, described Hopper as having 'limited intellectual thinking' and noted that he 'never leaves his home.' He sentenced Hopper to six years of imprisonment, with two-thirds to be served before consideration for release, and ordered him to be on the Sex Offender Register for life.

The judge emphasized to the girl, 'You are not to blame for any of this.

He took advantage of you.'