JOHN UNDERHILL FROM LEDBURY INVOLVED IN SEXUAL OFFENSES AT ROSS-ON-WYE AND LEDBURY

In May 2012, a disturbing case emerged involving John Underhill, a young man from Riverside, Ross-on-Wye, who became entangled in a serious criminal matter related to his interactions with a minor. The incident, which took place in Ledbury and surrounding areas, was brought to light after Underhill made a grave mistake that would have lasting repercussions.

According to court proceedings, Underhill, who was 19 at the time of the offense and is now 21, admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl. The girl had been attending a party at a friend’s house on November 13, 2010, where she consumed alcopops before retreating to a bedroom. It was there that she encountered Underhill, who was alone at the time. The two began talking, which escalated to kissing, and eventually, there was a brief act of sexual intercourse. Their privacy was interrupted when someone entered the room unexpectedly, halting the encounter.

Prosecutor Peter Grice detailed that the incident was reported after the deputy head at the girl’s school overheard rumors about the event and promptly contacted the police. Underhill was arrested four days later. Initially, he denied the allegations, claiming that the girl was lying. However, DNA evidence recovered from his shorts confirmed her account of the events.

Defense counsel James Dunstan described Underhill as naive, explaining that his actions stemmed from a lack of judgment. Dunstan also highlighted the severe consequences faced by Underhill’s family, who endured harassment and verbal abuse, leading them to leave Ledbury, where they had resided for 15 years. The family’s home was targeted with eggs, a window was broken, and they suffered ongoing verbal abuse. Dunstan emphasized that Underhill was deeply distressed upon learning of the police investigation, even threatening suicide. Since then, Underhill has married, and his wife is expecting a child. The family’s life has been profoundly affected, and they are now living elsewhere.

Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC addressed the court, noting that the girl had willingly participated in the episode. He issued a stern warning to parents about the dangers of teenage parties, especially when alcohol and private bedrooms are involved. The judge pointed out that giving alcohol to a 13-year-old girl and allowing her to visit bedrooms unaccompanied creates a dangerous environment conducive to such offenses.

In sentencing, the judge acknowledged Underhill’s current unemployment and financial difficulties. He was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Underhill is required to register as a sex offender for five years. The court took into account that Underhill has a dependent wife, who relies on him for support, which influenced the decision not to send him to prison.

Overall, the case underscores the importance of vigilance and responsibility among parents and guardians to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.