RICK ANKIN FROM BASELDON JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGERS IN LEAMINGTON

In December 2005, a man named Rick Ankin, hailing from Basildon, Essex, was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving minors in Leamington. The case was heard at Warwick Crown Court, where it was revealed that Ankin had engaged in sexual activities with a 15-year-old girl from Leamington and had taken explicit photographs of their encounters using his mobile phone.

According to the prosecution, Michael Burrows, Ankin’s contact with the girl began through an internet chat room. Over time, their online communication developed into a physical relationship. Despite being aware of her age, Ankin met the girl in person shortly after her 15th birthday, and they engaged in sexual intercourse. This relationship marked the beginning of a series of visits to Leamington, during which Ankin also met two other 15-year-old girls, also from the same town.

It was further disclosed that Ankin had taken photographs of the sexual acts with the 15-year-old girl on his phone, which contributed to the severity of his sentencing. The case also revealed that he had met the other two teenagers through the initial girl, and he had attempted to involve one of them in a 'threesome' via email correspondence. This email, which described sexual contact with a man named Rick, was discovered by the girl’s mother, leading to Ankin’s arrest.

During the court proceedings, defense lawyer Nick Devine argued that the relationship had begun innocently through the internet chat room. He stated, “It was she who introduced the other two girls into the situation. Again that is something he bitterly regrets.”

Judge Richard Cole, addressing the court, emphasized the seriousness of the charges. He ordered Ankin to register as a sex offender for life and prohibited him from having any contact with individuals under the age of 18. The judge concluded, “These are serious charges, and have to be treated as such. The only possible sentence is imprisonment.”