ROHAN SKELTON CAUGHT IN KIRKBY THORE FOR SEXUAL OFFENSE INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Kirkby Thore, a 26-year-old man named Rohan Priyantha Skelton has been sentenced in connection with a serious sexual offense involving a minor. The incident dates back to February 2013, when Skelton engaged in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl after he had picked her up from her school bus stop.

According to court proceedings, the young girl had initially connected with Skelton through social media, specifically Facebook, where friends had advised her to add him to her online friends list. The relationship between Skelton and the girl developed rapidly, with their conversations soon turning to sexual topics, despite the girl explicitly informing him of her age. This detail was emphasized during the trial, highlighting the inappropriate nature of their interactions.

During the hearing at Carlisle Crown Court, Skelton’s defense attorney, Mike Reay, described his client as someone who was immature and suffering from “intellectual difficulties,” which may have influenced his actions. Nevertheless, the court found sufficient evidence to convict Skelton of the serious offense.

As a result, Skelton was sentenced to two years in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to undergo intensive supervision by probation officers for the same duration. The court also mandated that Skelton register as a sex offender for ten years and imposed a ban on him working with children, reflecting the gravity of his misconduct and the potential risk to minors.

This case has raised concerns within the Kirkby Thore community about the safety of young people and the importance of vigilance in online interactions. Authorities continue to emphasize the need for awareness and caution when minors engage with adults on social media platforms.