WAYNE NESSWORTHY FROM SEGHILL ESCAPES PRISON AFTER SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL IN NORTHUMBERLAND

In a case that has sparked widespread outrage, Wayne Nessworthy, a man with a troubling history of sexual misconduct, was spared immediate imprisonment after being convicted of serious offenses involving a teenage girl in Seghill, Northumberland. The incident, which came to light in April 2009, involved disturbing communications and inappropriate behavior directed at a minor, leading to a court hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

According to court records, Nessworthy, aged 29 at the time, was arrested after the mother of a 14-year-old girl discovered a series of explicit text messages on her daughter's mobile phone. The mother had initially checked the phone after an attempt to dry it out, following a water spill, and was horrified to find the obscene messages that Nessworthy had sent to her daughter. The messages revealed a pattern of inappropriate communication, including requests for explicit photographs and sexual content.

The young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, confirmed to authorities that Nessworthy had been messaging her over several days. She disclosed that their interactions extended beyond text messages to online instant messaging via MSN and webcam chats. During these conversations, Nessworthy had asked her to send a photograph of her breasts and had performed a sexual act while on webcam, which was witnessed by the girl herself.

Prosecutor Glenn Gatland detailed the extent of Nessworthy’s misconduct, emphasizing that the man had been engaging in these activities with a minor he claimed to have a crush on. The court heard that Nessworthy had a long-standing history of sexual offenses, including convictions dating back to 1997 for indecent exposure to women. Additionally, he had previously been jailed and subjected to a restraining order in December 2005 for harassment.

In his defense, Nessworthy, of Trinity Grove, Seghill, Northumberland, admitted to engaging in sexual activity in front of a child and possessing an indecent photograph of a minor. The court was told that he accepted the need for help and welcomed treatment, which was considered during sentencing.

Judge Guy Whitburn sentenced Nessworthy to 12 months in prison, but the term was suspended for two years, contingent upon supervision and participation in sex offender treatment programs. Furthermore, Nessworthy was ordered to register as a sex offender for a decade and was permanently barred from working with children. The judge emphasized that community-based supervision was deemed the most appropriate way to ensure Nessworthy received the necessary help, but he issued a stern warning that any future offenses would likely result in immediate imprisonment.

Judge Whitburn remarked, “You have a very bad record as a sexual deviant. You befriended this girl. She was but a child at the time.” The court’s decision reflected the seriousness of the crimes committed and the need to protect the community from potential harm.

Overall, the case has highlighted ongoing concerns about sexual predators and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding minors from exploitation and abuse in Northumberland and beyond.