2003: MAN JAILED FOR UNDER-AGE SEX
A 14-year-old girl began a sexual liaison with a 39-year-old man after he wagered £50 that she would sleep with him, Worcester Crown Court was informed.Mark Dobbins drove the teenager to the Lickey Hills, where they engaged in sexual activity inside his car.
Over a span of four months, it is reported that they had sex around 40 times, as stated by Miss Nixon, although it was also revealed that Dobbins was involved with a 17-year-old girl who became pregnant.
Dobbins, from Beech Road in Sidemoor, Bromsgrove, received a 15-month prison sentence after admitting to three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse.
He was also mandated to register as a sex offender for ten years.
Suspicion arose in the girl’s mother due to her frequent absences, Miss Nixon explained.
It was later discovered that the girl had gone with Dobbins because she was attracted to him.
Dobbins told her they would be engaged and purchased a £600 ring, which he later sold after an argument, spending the money on alcohol.
The girl also spent time with Dobbins at his caravan located in Somerset.
During the hearing, Michael Aspinall, Dobbins’ lawyer, stated that their relationship was based on affection and that he had not corrupted the girl.
He added that Dobbins had purchased an engagement ring with the hope of eventual marriage.
The girl continued to wish to meet him.
Furthermore, Dobbins had a relationship with a 17-year-old, who bore his child.
It was emphasized that he was not intentionally targeting young girls.
Judge Michael Mott noted that Dobbins, who previously served time for indecent assault on an 11-year-old girl, had not forced sexual activity.
Nonetheless, the law's purpose to protect minors meant that his conduct could be classified as child abuse.
