KURTIS RAGALL FROM LITTLE HULTON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BOLTON

In April 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving Kurtis Ragnall, a 22-year-old man from Old Lane, Little Hulton, who was found guilty of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in Bolton, has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the crimes and the subsequent legal proceedings.

Ragnall, who openly admitted to being a 'self-confessed porn addict,' managed to avoid a custodial sentence despite the severity of his actions. Judge Elliot Knopf, presiding over Bolton Crown Court, stated that the public interest would be better served if Ragnall received help within the community rather than being sent to prison. The judge emphasized that a community-based approach would be more appropriate given the circumstances.

Prosecutor Graham Robinson detailed the disturbing conduct of Ragnall, explaining that he persuaded the young girl to engage in sexual activities. Robinson recounted that Ragnall would ask for a kiss, follow her into her bedroom, request a hug, and then push her onto the bed in an attempt to initiate sexual contact. The court heard that these acts occurred between July 1 and July 31, 2012.

Further evidence presented during the trial revealed that Ragnall communicated with the girl via Skype, where he expressed a desire to 'cuddle, spank her,' and join her in the bath. The crimes came to light when an adult observer noticed the girl’s Skype conversations with Ragnall, prompting police involvement. Ragnall was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

During police interviews, Ragnall admitted to being a porn addict but claimed that the girl was a 'compulsive liar.' He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sexual activity with a child, attempted sexual activity with a child, and 16 counts of making indecent photographs of a child. Police found 16 images on his computer, classified at level one severity, with level five being the most serious. Additionally, officers discovered approximately 5,800 indecent images stored on his device.

Defense lawyer Michael Blakey expressed remorse on behalf of Ragnall, stating, 'The defendant shouldn’t have done what he did. He is disgusted with himself.' Blakey added that Ragnall, who was 21 at the time of the offenses, had become alienated from his family and wished to apologize through his legal representative. Ragnall is employed as an apprentice recruitment consultant, according to his defense.

Judge Knopf, in delivering the sentence, decided that a custodial sentence was not appropriate. Instead, he imposed a three-year community order, which includes strict supervision and regular reviews of Ragnall’s progress. The court also mandated that Ragnall sign the sex offenders’ register for five years and adhere to a sexual offences prevention order for the same duration, aiming to prevent any further harm and ensure ongoing monitoring.