MICHAEL BALL OF KIDDERMINSTER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In October 2002, Michael Ball, a 49-year-old man from Kidderminster, was sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting to unlawful sexual activity and indecency with a 14-year-old girl.The case came to light when the victim's mother discovered inappropriate text messages on her daughter’s mobile phone.
These messages suggested that the caller could not wait for more sexual encounters with the teenager.
Although Ball initially claimed that his son must have sent the messages, he eventually confessed that he and the girl had engaged in sexual intercourse.
During the investigation, a woman was also found with her trousers down while the girl was giving Ball oral sex, as reported by prosecutor Nicolas Cartwright.
Mr.
Cartwright explained that Ball had tried to keep his actions secret by threatening to contact unpleasant individuals, but authorities were informed.
Ball refused to comment during police interviews.
Defence attorney Samantha Powis stated that Ball later accepted he had sex with the girl multiple times.
She explained, “It took time for him to come to terms with his criminality and he found it very difficult to accept the gravity of what he had done.
He now expresses self-disgust and loathing.” Ms.
Powis added that Ball was deeply sorry and hoped the girl would not be affected for life.
The defendant’s actions also led to personal consequences, including his son breaking off contact and estrangement from his elderly parents.
Ms.
Powis noted that the jail sentence might mean he would never see his terminally-ill sister again.
She emphasized that this was a one-off mistake and that Ball was not generally attracted to young girls.
Judge Frank Chapman sentenced Ball, stating, “Everyone would think this is disgusting.
There’s no excuse for what you did.
You exploited this girl and became her lover.” As part of his punishment, Ball was ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years.
