MAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN NEWTON ABBOT
In a case that has shocked the community of Newton Abbot, Kevin Nicholls, a 32-year-old man from Kiln Orchard, was sentenced to 32 months in prison after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl.The incident, which took place between June 14 and July 14 of the previous year, involved the defendant consuming alcohol with the young girl before the sexual encounter occurred.
According to court proceedings, Nicholls, a painter and decorator with no prior criminal record, admitted to having sexual contact with the minor.
The court was informed that the offense was committed after the girl received a telephone call from Nicholls, which led her to his flat.
During police interviews, Nicholls fully confessed to the crime, explaining that he was intoxicated at the time and was unaware of her true age.
Prosecutor Bathsheba Cassel detailed that the defendant also made indecent images of the girl, further compounding the severity of the case.
The victim, who is now receiving counselling for the trauma, provided a statement during the proceedings.
Her mother became concerned about her daughter's behaviour, including her drinking habits and staying out late at night, which ultimately led to the discovery of the incident.
In mitigation, defence lawyer Paul Dentith described Nicholls as a 'loner' who had never been involved in a romantic relationship.
He emphasized that the contact was initiated by the girl herself and highlighted that since the incident, Nicholls has reportedly turned over a new leaf, finding a steady partner and showing signs of positive change.
Judge Philip Wassall, presiding over the case, clarified that there was no evidence of grooming or predatory behaviour.
He stated, “You are drunk and she is drunk and you take advantage of her in the way you did.
This is a very serious specified sexual offence.
There were no threats, no coercion and you hadn’t targeted the victim.” The judge underscored the gravity of the offence, ruling that custody was unavoidable given the circumstances.
As part of his sentence, Nicholls was ordered to serve half of the 32 months in prison.
Additionally, he was mandated to register as a sex offender and comply with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Matt Bourne of the child exploitation unit expressed hope that the punishment would allow the girl and her family to begin moving forward, acknowledging the importance of justice in such cases.
