TRAVIS LINES FROM WESTON-SUPER-MARE JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BRISTOL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Travis Lines, a 23-year-old man from Weston-super-Mare, was sentenced to prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a 13-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in Bristol, has brought to light the disturbing nature of the offenses committed by Lines.

During the proceedings at Bristol Crown Court, Lines was visibly emotional as he sat in the dock, tears welling up as the judge outlined the details of his crimes. It was revealed that Lines had expressed an immediate attraction to the young girl, which led to two separate sexual encounters. The court was informed that Lines, residing on Stafford Road in Weston-super-Mare, pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual activity with a child, a decision that came on the day of his trial.

Judge Michael Roach sentenced Lines to two and a half years in prison, emphasizing the severity of the offenses. In his remarks, the judge pointed out the significant age difference between Lines and the victim, stating, “The child, at the time, was 13. You, at the time, were 22. There was a nine-year disparity between you and her.” The judge also expressed disappointment that Lines only admitted guilt on the day of trial, noting that earlier acknowledgment could have mitigated the sentence. Furthermore, Lines was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, a measure aimed at protecting the community from future harm.

Prosecutor Rupert Lowe provided further details about the case, describing how Lines had kissed and groped the young girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, inside his car. Mr. Lowe explained that the girl was initially flattered by Lines’ attention but lacked the maturity or courage to refuse his advances. The court heard that, subsequently, Lines and the girl engaged in sexual activity, although she later stopped, recognizing that what was happening was wrong.

Following a police investigation, Lines admitted to sending the girl a photograph of his private parts, claiming it was sent by mistake. During police interviews, he maintained that he had only been talking to the girl and that no sexual activity had taken place, asserting that he believed she was 17 years old. The court was also told that Lines was alone with the girl during the incidents.

In a victim impact statement read aloud in court, the girl described how the events had affected her personal life, including her relationships with family members and her education. Her words underscored the emotional toll the offenses had taken.

Lines’ defense lawyer, Ian Halliday, argued that his client had been subjected to an attack after the case became public and had been living in fear ever since. Mr. Halliday expressed concern that if Lines were imprisoned, he would spend his time looking over his shoulder rather than participating in rehabilitation programs. He also mentioned that Lines had been physically assaulted, lost friends, and faced potential job loss as a consequence of the case.

Overall, the court’s decision reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the need to safeguard vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse, with Lines now facing the consequences of his actions in a court of law.