SEAN WHITE FROM HAYLING ISLAND SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Hayling Island, Sean White, a 40-year-old resident of Queensway, was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The incident took place in June 2009, when White was found to have had a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl, an act that led to his subsequent arrest and trial at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Despite the jury’s clear verdict, which found White guilty of the charges related to the sexual activity with the young girl, he continues to maintain his innocence. His defense, led by Elisabeth Bussey-Jones, argued that White insists he did nothing wrong, despite the evidence presented during the trial.

White’s criminal history includes previous convictions for violent offenses, adding a layer of concern to his current case. However, he was acquitted of ten other charges that were also related to the same girl, which indicates that the court found insufficient evidence to convict him on those counts.

Judge Roger Hetherington, presiding over the case, sentenced White to four and a half years in prison. During his sentencing remarks, the judge emphasized the severity of the offense, stating, “I put out of my mind entirely that you were also charged with other matters. The offence was committed against a girl who at the time was aged 14. You took advantage of her.”

The judge further highlighted the profound impact of White’s actions on the victim, noting, “I must have regard to the impact that such an offence has on the victim and I have read the victim impact statement. This offence had an immediate and drastic effect on her.”

In addition to the prison sentence, White was subjected to a restraining order designed to prevent him from contacting or approaching the victim until further notice from the court. The court also mandated that White sign the sex offenders’ register; however, it was revealed during the proceedings that he had so far refused to comply with this requirement, raising further concerns about his compliance with legal obligations.