TWO MEN JAILED FOR HAVING SEX WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRLS
Two men convicted of engaging in sexual activities with underage girls have been sentenced to prison.Michael Rathbone, aged 24, from Mayfield Drive in Buckley, Flintshire, had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl.
During the sentencing hearing at Mold Crown Court, it was revealed that Rathbone would linger near the school gates and kept meeting the girl even after police advised him against doing so.
He received a sentence of three and a half years following his conviction on two counts of sexual activity with a minor.
His co-accused, Scott Buxton, also 24 and residing on Wynnstay Road in Wrexham, was sentenced to two and a half years after being found guilty of similar charges involving a different 14-year-old girl who was a friend of the first.
Both men are now ordered to register as sex offenders for life.
Furthermore, they are subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, prohibiting any unsupervised contact with children.
Despite denying the charges, both men were convicted in a prior trial.
Judge Rhys Rowlands noted that in 2015, both men exploited girls several years their junior.
The judge remarked that neither showed remorse; Rathbone's pre-sentence report indicated he believed he had done nothing wrong or illegal, while Buxton maintained his innocence.
Addressing their behavior, the judge emphasized that such acts are illegal and that the law exists to protect minors.
He pointed out that the two girls were clearly children, regardless of the defendants' claims.
The judge highlighted evidence of grooming in Rathbone's case, noting that he picked up the girl outside her school, bought her gifts, and treated her like a princess.
They engaged in regular sexual activity, with Rathbone instructing her to lie about her age and threatening self-harm if she ended the relationship.
Since police first intervened in 2015, Rathbone was intent on continuing contact with the girl.
Buxton, on the other hand, had targeted another 14-year-old girl, who was vulnerable.
Initially, Rathbone instructed her to lie about her age to Buxton, but he soon learned her real age.
Buxton’s actions significantly affected her, though he stopped once police visited his home to issue a warning.
Prosecutor Simon Mintz described the case as serious, noting grooming had occurred, albeit to a lesser extent with Buxton.
One girl expressed in a victim impact statement how the support she received helped her change and rebuild her relationship with her family, restoring her trust.
Defense lawyer Andrew Green highlighted Rathbone’s caring and diligent character, citing positive references.
Green expressed that Rathbone was distressed by his convictions and forewarned that his initial detention would have a profound impact.
Although he suggested Rathbone was immature, the judge disagreed, stating Rathbone appeared determined to see himself as justified.
In Buxton’s defense, Matthew Curtis cited his difficult personal background and family struggles as contributing factors to his behavior.
