JONATHAN DICKSON FROM BEBINGTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRL IN WIRRAL

In June 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Jonathan Dickson, a church youth group leader from Higher Bebington, Wirral, who was convicted of grooming and sexually abusing a young girl. The case revealed a troubling pattern of manipulation and exploitation that spanned several years, beginning when the victim was just 13 years old.

According to court proceedings, Dickson, aged 33 and residing on Cedar Avenue in Higher Bebington, had known the girl from a young age. As she reached her early teens, he initiated contact through Facebook and text messages, engaging in what was described as a mutual exchange of communication. The Liverpool Crown Court heard that the girl developed feelings for Dickson and felt flattered by his attention, which he was fully aware of, despite her young age.

Prosecutor Louise McCloskey emphasized that Dickson was conscious of her age and should have exercised better judgment. She detailed how he would send messages complimenting her attractiveness and even purchased concert tickets for her and a friend, further blurring the boundaries of appropriate conduct. As the girl approached her 16th birthday, Dickson, then 24, kissed her for the first time, an act she described as overwhelming.

The court was informed that their relationship escalated to sexual activity, with Dickson performing sex acts on her and her reciprocating in his vehicle. On one occasion, he engaged in sexual acts with her while another 15-year-old girl was present in the car. Over time, the victim recognized the abusive nature of their relationship and grew increasingly concerned about Dickson’s contact with other youths.

In 2017, the now-adult woman wrote a letter to Dickson, urging him to step down from his church role and to disclose the abuse to his wife. The following year, she confided in her parents, who advised her to report the matter to the police. This led to Dickson’s arrest in July 2018. During police interviews, he confessed to the allegations and later pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

The courtroom was filled with family members, friends, and church colleagues, including Dickson’s wife and other church members, many of whom were visibly emotional. His defense attorney, John Weate, described the case as “very sad,” suggesting that Dickson was “perhaps quite an immature young man” at the time. Weate argued that Dickson’s feelings for the girl were genuine and that he did not intend to cause her harm, asserting that his client believed his actions were motivated by love.

Judge Neil Flewitt, QC, acknowledged the complexity of the case, stating that there was “genuine affection on both sides,” but emphasized that as the adult, Dickson bore the responsibility to maintain appropriate boundaries and wait until the girl was capable of giving informed consent. The judge highlighted that Dickson’s actions constituted grooming behavior and that he had ignored safeguarding training he received at his church.

He further noted that the victim, now older, had expressed her disgust and distress over what had happened, recognizing that Dickson had “took away her innocence.” The judge condemned his failure to protect her and instead exploit her vulnerability. Despite acknowledging Dickson’s remorse and personal mitigation, including his work with charity organizations and his efforts to support children in Haiti, the court sentenced him to two years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

Judge Flewitt concluded by emphasizing the importance of safeguarding and the serious breach of trust involved in this case, underscoring the lasting impact on the victim’s life and the responsibilities of those in positions of authority to prevent such abuse.