2005: MAN JAILED FOR SEX WITH 15-YEAR-OLD
A man detained for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl, after she informed her parents of her pregnancy, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison.Michael Knights, 21 years old, residing on Blackwell Road in Tredington, was given a 12-month sentence for two counts of causing or inciting a minor to participate in sexual acts, to which he pleaded guilty.
An additional 15 months were added to his sentence, to be served consecutively, for charges of aggravated vehicle theft and driving under the influence, both of which he also admitted.
Prosecutor Andrew Smith explained that in November of the previous year, the girl’s parents grew worried after learning she was picked up by police in Weston-super-Mare, where she had gone with Knights.
Subsequent pregnancy tests confirmed her pregnancy, and she disclosed to her parents that she had engaged in sexual activities with Knights on three or four occasions.
The defendant admitted to having sex with the girl on three separate occasions—once on school grounds, once near a hospital, and a third time at his sister’s residence.
Knights, aware of her age, was arrested and released on bail.
On March 5 this year, police attempted to stop a stolen Ford Fiesta, which had been taken from outside a residence in Shipston and was being driven toward Tredington.
Knights, traveling with three passengers, sped away at over 70 miles per hour along rural routes.
A stinger device used to halt the vehicle failed, and after a lengthy chase, Knights crashed through farm gates and fled on foot before being detained.
A breathalyzer test revealed he was intoxicated.
Knights, who had prior convictions including car theft and burglary, admitted to police that he had consumed six cans of lager and a Bacardi before stealing the vehicle to get home.
His solicitor emphasized that although there was a significant age difference, there was no evidence that he coerced or pressured the girl, and she reportedly told police she did not want the incident to be reported.
During sentencing, Judge Richard Cole highlighted that despite the girl’s consent, engaging in sexual activity with a person under 16 is an unlawful act, underscoring the seriousness of the offence.
