MICHAEL WHITE EXMOUTH SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR ABUSING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT HOTEL

In a case that has shocked the community of Exmouth, Michael White, a 49-year-old mechanic residing on Exeter Road, was sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl. The incident, which took place at a local hotel where White was staying, came to light after a lengthy legal process that included a trial at Exeter Crown Court.

Initially, White had denied any involvement, claiming that the girl was lying about her presence in his hotel room. However, during the proceedings, it was revealed that he had groomed the young girl by establishing a friendship with her during a particularly vulnerable period in her life. This grooming process involved White sending her a provocative photo of himself undressed in the shower and engaging in inappropriate behavior that escalated to sexual activity.

The court heard that the sexual encounter occurred at the hotel, and White was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a minor during a trial held last year. Despite his initial denials, White later confessed his guilt to a probation officer who was preparing his pre-sentence report, leading to his conviction.

Judge Graham Cottle, presiding over the case, expressed his disapproval of White’s actions, emphasizing the trauma inflicted upon the young victim. The judge pointed out that White had subjected the girl to the ordeal of giving evidence in court, which added to her distress. Prosecutor Malcolm Galloway highlighted the emotional toll on the victim, noting her distress over White’s family members allegedly accusing her of lying, with some claiming she was 'lying through her teeth.'

White’s defense attempted to cast doubt on the allegations, claiming that the girl had not mentioned an intimate piercing to police and suggesting that another young woman, not the victim, had visited his hotel room that night for innocent reasons. Nevertheless, evidence from the victim, her confidantes, and a teacher who was informed of the incident led to a police investigation. The girl’s disclosure prompted authorities to act swiftly, resulting in White’s arrest and subsequent trial.

During the proceedings, White also faced a second charge related to the same girl, which he was acquitted of, maintaining his innocence. His defense lawyer, Kelly Scrivener, pointed out that White had no previous convictions of a similar nature, aside from an old dishonesty charge.

As part of his sentence, White was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life and adhere to a Sex Offences Prevention Order, which imposes strict conditions to prevent further offenses. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of White’s actions and the lasting impact on the young victim, highlighting the ongoing efforts to protect minors from sexual exploitation and abuse.