SIMON JAMES FROM ILLOGAN SENTENCED FOR UNLAWFUL SEX WITH 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN TRURO

In August 2012, a serious case unfolded involving Simon James, a 40-year-old man from Illogan, who admitted to engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a minor. The incident came to light during a court hearing at Truro Crown Court, where James pleaded guilty to the charges and was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison.

According to the prosecution, Bathsheba Cassel, the case stemmed from an incident where James, a married father of three, was found to have had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl. The court heard that the encounter occurred when James, who was in the process of changing into his rugby gear inside his van, was followed by the girl. Cassel explained that James had initially rejected her advances but eventually succumbed to her persistent requests.

Defense solicitor Jeremy Leaning described James as a hardworking and respected individual within his community. He emphasized that James had consistently rebuffed the girl’s advances and expressed genuine remorse for his actions. The judge, Judge Philip Wassall, acknowledged the complexity of the case, noting that the girl had confided in James about her family issues, which made her particularly vulnerable.

Judge Wassall pointed out that the girl had developed physical attraction towards James, which he initially resisted. However, by the time she was 15 years and four months old, James reportedly began to develop feelings for her, leading to kissing and cuddling. The court was told that the girl had explicitly asked James to have sex, and he was aware she was on the pill. Despite her repeated requests, James refused to engage in sexual activity at first.

The incident in question occurred when the girl asked James to have sex, and he initially declined. The judge noted that going into the back of the van to change clothes was an unusual act that suggested sexual activity was imminent. James’s actions, according to the court, indicated a level of complicity, although the judge clarified that there was no evidence of grooming, manipulation, or the giving of presents. James’s responses to the girl were described as passive.

Judge Wassall acknowledged that James had developed genuine feelings for the girl and had contemplated a future relationship with her once she was older. He also recognized that James was experiencing relationship problems with his wife. Despite these factors, the judge emphasized the girl’s vulnerability and the fact that James, as an adult, did not stop the situation from progressing.

While the court did not impose a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, James was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the need for ongoing monitoring.