NIGEL THOMSON FROM ASHTEAD ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEX WITH 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN OXFORD

In January 2010, Nigel Thomson, a 41-year-old ex-soldier residing in Ashtead, was involved in a highly controversial case concerning his inappropriate conduct with a minor. Thomson, who served as a private in the British Army for over two decades, found himself at the center of a legal proceeding after engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl at the Sandhurst officers' academy.

According to court reports, the incident occurred just one day after a female officer at Sandhurst expressed concerns about Thomson’s interactions with the young girl. The officer warned him that the girl was 'dangerous,' highlighting her troubled background and behavior. Despite this warning, Thomson proceeded to meet the girl at the stables where he worked as a groom, and their relationship escalated to the point of sexual activity.

It was revealed that the girl, who had a history of similar behavior with older men, was already displaying signs of being more mature than her age. She was described as 'precocious' and 'disturbed,' and she appeared to be the one initiating most of the interaction. The court heard that she had been drinking alcohol earlier that day, which led her to be sent home from school. Later, she visited the stables, where she met Thomson, and they engaged in sexual activity using a condom that she had kept as a memento.

Thomson was arrested by the Royal Military Police after the girl produced the condom, which she kept as a trophy. During the trial, his defense argued that the girl was seeking solace from her personal problems and that Thomson had been acting out of kindness and concern. His lawyer described her as 'troubled' and 'disturbed,' suggesting that their relationship was a result of her seeking comfort rather than malicious intent.

The court was also informed that Thomson, who had served in the Falklands and had remained a private throughout his military career, was living with his girlfriend and her 15-year-old daughter in Ashtead at the time of the incident. Following the court proceedings, Thomson resigned from the Army.

Judge Mary Mowat, presiding over the case at Oxford Crown Court, decided to impose a suspended sentence of 51 weeks for Thomson, with a two-year supervision order. She emphasized that the girl was just short of 14 and acknowledged that many girls of that age are sexually active, though she recognized this was not ideal. The judge also noted that the girl did not want Thomson to go to prison and that his actions, while inappropriate, were driven more by stupidity than malice.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Mowat stated, 'She [the victim] was just short of 14. There are many girls of 14 in this country who are sexually active – this may not be a good thing but it is a fact that has to be recognized.' She further added that Thomson had shown kindness towards the girl and that her plea for leniency reflected this. The court also ordered Thomson to undergo a 12-month supervision period, banned him from teaching or instructing girls under 16, and prohibited him from contacting the victim until she reaches the age of 16. The victim's identity remains protected for legal reasons.