RYAN FENNER FROM JACKSON SENTENCED IN CHELMSFORD FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Ryan Fenner, a 23-year-old man from Jackson, was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a 13-year-old girl. The incidents occurred after the girl went missing from her home on two separate occasions, both times ending with her being discovered at Fenner’s flat in Saffron Walden.

According to court proceedings at Chelmsford Crown Court, the young girl admitted that she had encouraged Fenner “big time” and expressed her desire not to see him prosecuted. Despite her cooperation, Fenner was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to four charges related to sexual activity with a minor. The court heard that Fenner’s residence was located on Cross Street, and that he had engaged in these illegal acts with the girl during the period when she was only 13 years old.

Judge David Turner QC addressed the court, emphasizing the importance of the law in protecting children from their own actions and from predatory individuals. He stated, “She made plain in her interview she encouraged you ‘big time’. I accept there was no intimidation, threats or undue pressure or that you got her drunk. It was sex between two people which was in the profoundly illegal zone and you are going to pay the price.”

Prosecutor Richard Scott detailed the timeline of events, revealing that Fenner first met the girl when she was intoxicated on August 10 of the previous year. At that time, Fenner was 22 years old. The girl, who had been a virgin before, went to Fenner’s flat after drinking heavily. Once she sobered up, the two engaged in sexual activity. Police, who had been searching for her after her parents reported her missing, initially released Fenner-Jackson pending further investigation.

The situation escalated when the pair met again two weeks later, resulting in another sexual encounter. During this second meeting, police arrived at Fenner’s flat and found the girl sitting nearby. She later told officers that she had initiated the encounter and suggested that Fenner initially showed some resistance. She also confirmed that Fenner was aware of her age, stating she was only 13 at the time.

While Fenner was not classified as “predatory,” the court acknowledged that he was susceptible to the temptation of engaging with young girls who were maturing but had not yet reached the age of 16. As part of his sentence, Fenner was issued a sexual offences prevention order that will remain in effect for seven years. This order restricts his contact with minors and controls his living and working arrangements. Additionally, Fenner was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years.

Defense lawyer David Lyons argued that the girl, who refused to cooperate fully with police, was “older in attitude than her age.” He also stated, “He should have said no and thrown her out,” highlighting the defendant’s failure to prevent the situation from escalating. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the offenses and the need to protect vulnerable minors from exploitation and harm.