KIM JACQUES FROM CATTERICK VILLAGE GETS SENTENCE REDUCTION IN TEESSIDE CASE

In a significant development in a high-profile case originating from Catterick Village, North Yorkshire, Kim Jacques, a 47-year-old man, has seen his prison sentence notably reduced following an appeal. Originally sentenced to four years in prison last August at Teesside Crown Court, Jacques had pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault and gross indecency involving a young girl.

His case drew considerable attention, partly due to the nature of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the victim, who was described by his legal representative as a 'Lolita.' During the appeal hearing held at London's Court of Appeal, Jacques's barrister, Roderick Hunt, argued that the original sentence was 'manifestly excessive.' He emphasized that the young girl involved had encouraged the passions that Jacques felt towards her, describing her as a 'Lolita' who had, in his words, provoked the situation.

After a brief legal discussion lasting approximately ten minutes, Mr. Justice Keith, sitting alongside Lord Justice Tuckey and Sir Brian Smedley, agreed that the initial sentence was too harsh. Consequently, the court decided to reduce Jacques's prison term from four years to three years. Despite this reduction, the court imposed strict conditions on his release, including an 18-month period on licence. This means that if Jacques re-offends during this time, he can be recalled to serve additional time in prison.

In his judgment, Mr. Justice Keith highlighted that Jacques, who was previously considered to be of good character, had developed a relationship with the girl during 2001, which involved several serious assaults carried out on weekends. When initially arrested, Jacques denied any inappropriate contact with the girl. However, he later admitted to the offences, claiming that the girl had consented to his actions. The judge clarified that, although the girl may not have resisted, this did not equate to legal consent under the law.

Describing the offences as 'unpleasant,' Mr. Justice Keith noted that the harm caused was 'limited.' While acknowledging the seriousness of the crimes and the need for custodial punishment, he also pointed out that the original judge at Teesside Crown Court had not sufficiently acknowledged Jacques's guilty pleas, which could have been a mitigating factor in sentencing. The court's decision reflects a careful balance between justice and recognition of the circumstances surrounding the case.