THOMAS MONTGOMERY FROM CAMBORNE AND EXETER JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Exeter and Camborne, Thomas Montgomery, a young man with a troubled background, has been sentenced to prison for a series of serious sexual offences involving a minor. The incident dates back to 2015 when Montgomery, then just 17 years old and residing in Exeter, began a relationship with a 14-year-old girl. The relationship, which initially appeared to be consensual, quickly escalated into a disturbing pattern of coercion and threats.

Montgomery, who had been in the care system since the age of 12 and had lived in various care homes across Exeter, Tiverton, Taunton, and North Devon, was living at a bail hostel in Camborne, Cornwall, while awaiting sentencing. His background was marked by instability and a lack of normal social development, factors that the court acknowledged as relevant to his behaviour.

According to court reports, Montgomery and the girl met in Exeter, where their relationship developed rapidly. Within weeks, she became pregnant, but she chose to undergo an abortion. Despite this, Montgomery continued to pursue her, and their relationship persisted for several months. The court heard that his conduct grew increasingly aggressive and bullying, culminating in a situation where her mother had to involve the police to protect her.

One particularly alarming incident involved Montgomery intercepting the girl as she was walking to school in her uniform. He forcibly took her to his room, where he demanded sex. Although the sexual activity was not physically forced, the girl later described feeling unable to resist and 'freezing' during the encounter. She recounted feeling trapped and believing that this was the way her relationship with Montgomery was supposed to be.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Montgomery initially faced charges of rape but was ultimately prosecuted for engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The girl told police that she had 'frozen' and acquiesced to his demands, which contributed to the charges. The relationship, which began in 2015, lasted until September of the following year, when her mother called the police after noticing troubling signs.

Prosecutor Mr. Lee Bremridge detailed how Montgomery's attitude shifted after the girl informed him of her pregnancy in June. He reportedly told her to get an abortion and threatened to kill the unborn child if she refused. She proceeded with the abortion, but Montgomery's harassment did not cease. He refused to accept the end of their relationship and continued to pester her, even moving to an address close to her home to maintain contact.

The girl described several distressing episodes, including Montgomery asking her for money, involving her in alcohol and drugs, and making threatening remarks. She also recounted an incident where Montgomery, under the influence of substances, shouted from his window as she was walking to school, attempting to lure her back. She admitted that she felt unable to leave his presence and, during some encounters, felt so uncomfortable that she 'froze' and went along with what was happening.

Judge Mr. Richard Stead sentenced Montgomery to 12 months in a Young Offenders Institution after he pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual activity with a child. The judge emphasized that although the relationship initially had elements of consent, it deteriorated significantly, causing considerable distress to the victim. The judge stated, "You literally took no care to return affection and engaged in unprotected sex which led to a pregnancy and an abortion. These offences are of such seriousness there can only be an immediate sentence."

He further added, "In view of the length of time the relationship continued and the offences were committed, along with your threatening behaviour in the later stages and the full impact on the victim, there must be immediate custody." The court acknowledged the complex background of Montgomery, highlighting his troubled upbringing and lack of stability, which contributed to his actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of exploitation and coercion involving minors in the community.