NICHOLAS THORBURN FROM LOUTH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN GRIMSBY

In May 2014, Nicholas Thorburn, formerly residing in Louth, was released from custody and is currently living in Glossop. His criminal history, however, remains a serious chapter in his life.

Back in May 2009, Thorburn, aged 22 at the time, was convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a teenage girl. The court proceedings revealed that Thorburn had exploited a young girl who was infatuated with him, taking advantage of her innocent crush. The case was heard at Grimsby Crown Court, where it was established that Thorburn had engaged in sexual activity with the girl on two separate occasions between June and August of the previous year.

The court heard that the girl was particularly vulnerable, having no prior sexual experience, which Thorburn exploited during their encounters. Judge David Tremberg addressed Thorburn directly, stating, “She had a schoolgirl crush on you and you exploited that and exploited her desire for you.” The judge detailed how Thorburn initially groomed the girl over several weeks, pretending to treat her like a younger sister and engaging in playful physical interactions such as play-fighting. During this grooming process, Thorburn also told her she was beautiful and expressed love for her, further manipulating her emotional state.

The sexual encounters took place in Thorburn’s car, and some weeks later, he sought her out again, engaging in unprotected sex, thereby risking both pregnancy and the transmission of infections. Judge Tremberg emphasized the gravity of Thorburn’s actions, stating, “She felt used, as she had been.” The court condemned Thorburn’s behavior, highlighting that the law aims to protect young girls from their own impulses and to prevent predatory adults from exploiting minors.

Thorburn’s actions caused significant emotional distress to the victim, who was made to relive the ordeal through the court proceedings. The judge noted that Thorburn showed no remorse for his conduct. As part of his sentence, Thorburn was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was permanently barred from working with children.

During the mitigation hearing, Jeremy Lindsay, representing Thorburn, argued that no force, threats, coercion, or violence was used during the incidents. Lindsay also pointed out that Thorburn had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol during the second encounter. It was further noted that Thorburn had no previous convictions, and these incidents were isolated. Thorburn had already served 38 days in custody related to the case.

At the time of sentencing, Thorburn was known to have lived on Tunnard Street and Oxford Street in Grimsby, but he is now residing in Glossop following his release from prison.