LEE PORTER FROM POULTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN THORNTON PARK

In a case that has shocked the local community, Lee Porter, a married man from Poulton, was sentenced to prison after engaging in sexual activities with two young girls he met in a children's play area. The incident took place in Thornton, where Porter was visiting a friend and encountered the teenagers in a local park.

According to court proceedings at Preston Crown Court, the two girls, aged 13 and 14, had been drinking alcohol when they crossed paths with Porter around midnight in April of the previous year. The court was informed that Porter, aged 31 and residing on The Esplanade in Poulton, had deliberately lied about his age, claiming he was 21. One of the girls also pretended to be 15 or 16, possibly to conceal their true ages from him.

Porter faced charges of engaging in sexual activity with minors, specifically three counts related to sexual acts with the girls. Despite denying these charges initially, he was found guilty after a trial and subsequently received a five-year prison sentence. The court heard that Porter had sexual relations with both girls on the same night, with one of the encounters occurring twice.

The disturbing nature of the case was further revealed when the victims confided in a friend about their encounters. This friend, aware of Porter’s name and the van he drove, took action by damaging Porter’s vehicle, which led to a police investigation. The police eventually tracked Porter down after he was seen driving his van while under the influence of alcohol. He was also charged with driving while unfit to operate a vehicle.

During the court hearing, Kevin Donnelly, representing Porter, argued that the offenses were opportunistic rather than predatory. He emphasized that Porter’s actions should not be classified alongside those of individuals with paedophile tendencies. Donnelly stated, “There is a distinction to be drawn here between those people with paedophile tendencies and a different category of offences, where relatively young men engage in sexual acts with post pubescent girls. It would be wrong to class the defendant as a predatory paedophile. He has learned a salutary lesson which will impact greatly upon his future conduct.”

Judge Stuart Baker addressed the court, describing the case as a “sad” situation. He expressed regret that the defendant, who was described as a man of good character, had led an otherwise industrious life and was married with children. The judge acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses but clarified that Porter’s actions did not stem from predatory tendencies. Instead, the judge characterized his conduct as reckless and opportunistic, taking advantage of the girls’ youth, immaturity, and intoxication.

Ultimately, Porter was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for the sexual offenses, with an additional three months for driving while unfit. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, banned from working with children, and prohibited from driving for one year. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding minors and the consequences of exploiting their vulnerability.