JOHN KING FROM CORSHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SWINDON

In December 2008, a tragic case unfolded involving John King, a 39-year-old widower residing in Corsham, who was sentenced to 16 months in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The case drew significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the relationship and the legal implications involved.

John King, a father of three children—two sons and a daughter—all in their teenage years, had begun a romantic and sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl a few months following the death of his wife. The relationship, which started after they met earlier that year, was characterized by a series of increasingly intimate encounters that ultimately led to his arrest and conviction.

Prosecutor Marcus Davey outlined to Swindon Crown Court that King had initially met the girl earlier in the year and had engaged in conversations with her about personal issues she had faced in the past. As their interactions progressed, King sent her a text message expressing that she could talk to him about anything. The girl responded by indicating her desire for a relationship beyond mere friendship. Despite her age, King responded cautiously, informing her that pursuing a romantic relationship was not possible because he could face imprisonment if anything went wrong.

However, Mr. Davey emphasized that despite this initial restraint, King did not cease his involvement with the girl. Instead, the relationship deepened, and the pair began to meet regularly, traveling together in his car to various local beauty spots. It was at these secluded locations that they engaged in sexual activities, including instances of 'heavy petting' while she was still dressed in her school PE kit. The court heard that their meetings became a daily occurrence, with the girl skipping school to meet King, which raised concerns among her peers and teachers.

The girl confided in a school friend about her relationship with King, and her concerns prompted the friend to alert a teacher. The teacher then contacted the police, leading to King's arrest in July. During police questioning, King was released on bail under strict conditions that prohibited him from contacting the girl while investigations continued. Despite these restrictions, the girl later approached King, and he responded by purchasing her a mobile phone to facilitate communication and meetups.

Investigations into the phone revealed explicit messages and indecent photographs of the girl and King, further implicating him. King ultimately pleaded guilty to six charges of sexual activity with a child, though he denied allegations of grooming or meeting the girl for sexual purposes after grooming.

Defense lawyer Mike Pulsford described the case as 'very sad,' asserting that King had fallen in love with the girl and that he had not actively sought out the relationship. Instead, he claimed that the girl had persistently pestered him, leading him to give in to temptation. Pulsford also highlighted the emotional toll on King's family following his wife's death and requested that the court impose a community order, including a three-year sex offender program.

However, Judge William Hart was unequivocal in his sentencing, stating, 'It must be known that older men who succumb to younger girls like you did will go to prison.' He emphasized the importance of protecting young girls from both predatory adults and their own immature impulses. The judge remarked that girls of that age might believe they are in love with older men, but such relationships are exploitative and must be prevented.

In addition to the prison sentence, King was banned from working with children and was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the court's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable minors.