WIRRAL YOUTH SCOTT HEARNDEN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In March 2012, a youth from Wirral, Scott Hearnden, was sentenced to 19 months in prison after admitting to having sex with a 13-year-old girl. Hearnden, then 18 years old, claimed he believed the girl was between 15 and 16 but acknowledged he was "reckless" about her actual age.

During sentencing, Judge David Aubrey, QC, emphasized the purpose of the law in such cases, stating, "The law exists not only to protect young girls from older men but also to protect them from themselves." He stated that due to the seriousness of the offence, only a custodial sentence was appropriate.

Judge Aubrey noted that Hearnden had initially denied the charges when interviewed by police but changed his plea only shortly before the trial. As part of his punishment, he was ordered to sign the Sexual Offenders Register for ten years.

Living in Leasowe, Hearnden pleaded guilty in January of the previous year to engaging in sexual activity with the girl. Prosecutor Clare Jones told Liverpool Crown Court that Hearnden and the girl, who was 13 at the time, connected through Facebook, and they met in person, engaging in consensual intercourse on one occasion. The incident was uncovered after the girl asked her school nurse for a pregnancy test, leading her mother to get involved and contact the police.

Defense lawyer Paul Wood stated that Hearnden, who has no previous convictions, is well regarded by his family and girlfriend, who continue to support him. He argued, "He realised the possibility that something sexual might happen but puts it no higher than that. He believed she was around 15 or 16." Mr. Wood also acknowledged Hearnden's recklessness regarding her age and said, “He was clearly reckless as to her age and should have addressed that issue. He appreciates his actions were improper and criminal.”