PHILIP GRIFFIN FROM WELWYN JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN ST ALBANS

In a case that has shocked the community of Welwyn and the surrounding areas, Philip Griffin, a 32-year-old resident of The Crescent in Welwyn, has been sentenced to prison for a series of serious sexual offences committed against a teenage girl. The offences took place over a span of several months, from March to October 2016, and involved multiple acts of sexual assault as well as exploitation through digital communication.

Griffin appeared before St Albans Crown Court last Tuesday, where he admitted to the charges and pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault by penetration. In addition, he confessed to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, which involved sending inappropriate sexual messages to the victim, a girl aged 16 at the time. These messages included explicit requests for her to engage in sexual activities and to send nude photographs of herself, actions that are considered serious violations under the Sexual Offences Act.

The court heard that the victim’s identity is protected under law, but the impact of Griffin’s actions has been profound. Judge Michael Simon, presiding over the case, emphasized the psychological damage inflicted upon the girl, stating, “It is quite clear that severe psychological harm has been caused to the victim as a result of the assault.”

During the sentencing, the judge described Griffin’s conduct as the culmination of persistent and extended attempts to pursue a sexual relationship with the girl. He noted that Griffin’s actions were not isolated but part of a sustained course of conduct over several months, which exacerbated the harm caused.

As a result of his guilty pleas and the court’s assessment, Griffin was sentenced to a total of 54 months in prison. The majority of this sentence, 52 months, pertains to the two counts of sexual assault, while an additional two months are allocated for the sexual exploitation offences. All sentences are to be served concurrently, meaning Griffin will serve the combined sentence at the same time.

Furthermore, Griffin will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his activities following his release. A restraining order has also been issued, prohibiting him from making any contact with the victim for a period of ten years, ensuring her safety and peace of mind moving forward.

This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding the exploitation of minors and the importance of legal measures to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behaviour. The community of Welwyn and authorities alike hope that the sentencing will serve as a warning to others and reinforce the commitment to safeguarding young people from sexual abuse and exploitation.