SNAPCHAT PERVERT WHO GROOMED GIRL, 12, WALKS FREE DUE TO 'SHOCKING' FOUR YEAR DELAY CAUSED BY POLICE
A pervert has walked free from court due to what a judge branded an "utterly appalling" four year delay in the case caused by police.Mark Davison groomed a 12-year-old girl and got her to send indecent pictures of herself on Snapchat as part of a "fantasy relationship".
Davison made full admissions to the offence as long ago as June 2016 but was [released under investigation](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/killer-ewan-irelands-defence-qc-17437672) - a controversial tactic used by police which means there is no time limit on how long they have to charge someone, unlike when they are released on bail.
Despite there being a vulnerable 12-year-old victim and Davison himself having psychological problems and a low IQ, it was not until December last year that he finally appeared in court to plead guilty and only now has he been sentenced.
At [Newcastle Crown Court](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/newcastle-crown-court), Judge Amanda Rippon slammed the "shocking delay" and said but for that, she would have locked Davison up immediately.
The judge said: "There's been an utterly appalling delay.
I assume that's because he was released under investigation." After going into details of the case, she added: "I turn to the most shocking delay in this case which would be apparent to anyone listening carefully.
"The offence happened four years ago.
"You were released under investigation, as many defendants now are and that can be the only explanation for your first hearing at this court being in December last year.
"I've seen cases of delay but I can't bring one to mind where the delay has been quite so extensive, where all the boxes were ticked for it to be before the court more quickly.
"There is a very young complainant, who was 12 at the time and is now 16 and a vulnerable defendant who is now 30.
"But for the delay in the case I would have not found myself able to get to a sentence that I could have suspended.
"But I have concluded, because of the significant delay and the fact this has had an impact on you and you have kept out of trouble and all I have I already said - and I don't fail to emphasise or recognise the significant impact your offence has had on the complainant and will continue to do so and the seriousness of the offence itself, which deserves an immediate prison sentence - but I have to conclude I must suspend the inevitable prison sentence." The court heard a doctor who examined Davison concluded it was a "fantasy relationship on both parts and that it was perfectly plain his social inadequacies would not have led them meet".
The court heard Davison had quit work to help his mum care for his autistic older brother.
Davison, 30, of Langdale Road, Penshaw, pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and was sentenced to two years suspended for two years with a requirement he completes a sex offenders course.
He must also sign the sex offenders register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order, both for 10 years and was given a restraining order banning him from contacting the victim.
Judge Rippon told him his offending had impacted on the victim, who lost confidence and found herself getting angry for no reason.
"You should not underestimate the effect your offending has had," the judge said.
"She was a little girl."
