GOSPORT MAN WAYNE PLATER ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEX WITH 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL HE MET ONLINE

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Wayne Plater, a 22-year-old resident of Gosport, was spared a prison sentence despite engaging in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl he met through Facebook. The incident highlights the dangers of online interactions between adults and minors, and the legal proceedings that followed.

According to court records, the relationship began when the girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, initiated contact with Plater via the social networking platform. The two exchanged numerous emails over a period, which eventually led to Plater visiting her at her home in Gosport. Their first sexual encounter took place at Plater’s residence in October 2009. The following day, Plater accompanied the girl to a chemist in Brockhurst to obtain the morning-after pill, indicating an awareness of the potential consequences of their actions.

Despite warnings from the girl’s father, who explicitly told Plater to stay away from his daughter, the relationship persisted. Plater continued to see the girl and even expressed intentions of building a future together, as revealed during court proceedings. The prosecution, led by Frank Privett, detailed an incident where Plater took the girl to an Asda supermarket while she was still dressed in her school uniform, further illustrating the inappropriate nature of their interactions.

The relationship lasted several weeks before the girl decided to report the matter to authorities. Her decision was prompted after a teacher overheard her discussing the relationship with a friend, raising suspicions and prompting her to seek help. Plater was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child.

During the hearing, defense lawyer Matthew Farmer emphasized that Plater expressed deep remorse for his actions. He explained that Plater, who has no prior criminal record, was considered ‘immature’ for his age and that his involvement was initiated after the girl reached out to him on Facebook.

In sentencing, Judge Richard Price acknowledged the seriousness of the case but also considered mitigating factors. Plater was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for one year, and was ordered to undergo 12 months of supervision by the probation service. The judge explained that the lesser sentence was appropriate due to Plater’s age, the girl’s age, and the fact that the relationship appeared to be consensual, with the girl taking the lead on more than one occasion. The judge also noted that the relationship resembled that of a typical boyfriend and girlfriend.

Furthermore, Plater was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the need for ongoing monitoring. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and legal boundaries in online interactions, especially involving minors, and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences for those who breach these boundaries.