MARY-ELLEN MOONEY FROM MILTON KEYNES SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AT HOME

Mary-Ellen Mooney, a young woman residing in Milton Keynes, was found guilty of serious misconduct involving a 13-year-old boy she was entrusted to babysit.

The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of her inappropriate behavior during an evening at the boy's residence over the weekend of January 10-11. At the time, Mooney was 18 years old. It was established that she engaged in multiple acts of sexual misconduct, including rubbing the boy's thigh, kissing him on the mouth, and placing his hand inside her pyjamas on three separate occasions. These incidents occurred during the course of her babysitting duties, which were supposed to be a routine caregiving arrangement.

Following these events, Mooney continued her inappropriate conduct by sending the boy explicit messages via Facebook. In these messages, she referred to him as 'babe' and expressed that she had 'a real soft spot' for him, even suggesting that she believed he possessed a 'hidden talent.' Such messages further compounded the seriousness of her misconduct and indicated a pattern of grooming behavior.

Additional court evidence detailed how Mooney took the boy's hand and placed it inside her pyjamas, then later kissed him and made sexual advances. These actions were considered a grave breach of trust and a violation of the child's safety and innocence.

It was also disclosed that after her offenses came to light, Mooney was confronted by a family member who reacted with violence, attacking her in response to the revelations. This individual was subsequently convicted for their actions.

Initially, Mooney denied the allegations, attempting to dismiss the accusations. However, on the morning of her trial, she changed her stance and admitted guilt, acknowledging her misconduct.

In sentencing, the court imposed a suspended two-year prison term, meaning she would not serve time immediately but could be sent to prison if she violated the terms of her sentence. She was also subjected to a three-month curfew, requiring her to remain at home during specified hours, and was placed under supervision. As part of her rehabilitation, she was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service.

Furthermore, Mooney was issued a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting her from certain activities and contact, and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years.

During the sentencing, the judge emphasized that Mooney was fully aware that her actions were wrong. The court acknowledged her difficult background, including the loss of her mother and inadequate parenting, which may have influenced her behavior.

Throughout the proceedings, Mooney showed no visible emotion during the sentencing. Her case was regarded as a severe breach of trust, especially given her role as a babysitter responsible for the child's welfare. The court's decision reflected the gravity of her offenses and the need to protect vulnerable minors from similar harm.