ZAK COX FROM KINGSWINFORD ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEX WITH SCHOOLGIRL IN WORCESTERSHIRE

In a case that has drawn significant attention, Zak Cox, a resident of Kingswinford, was involved in a sexual encounter with a schoolgirl that took place three years prior. The incident, which occurred in 2016, was brought before Wolverhampton Crown Court, where Cox faced serious charges related to his conduct.

During the hearing, Judge Nicholas Webb acknowledged that Cox had already served a 21-month prison sentence for a similar offence. The judge explained that because Cox had completed this custodial period without the court being aware of the new offence, it was only fair and just to consider his current circumstances when determining his sentence. Cox, now 20 years old, had been detained in custody following his initial sentence, awaiting sentencing for the new charges.

Judge Webb pointed out that law enforcement authorities had the capacity to link the two offences but failed to do so, largely because Cox himself did not disclose the second incident. The court was informed that the second offence involved a consensual sexual act with a minor, which Cox admitted to during proceedings. The judge emphasized that the act was consensual, but the fact remained that the girl was underage at the time.

As part of his sentencing, Cox was handed a three-year Community Order. He was also mandated to participate in the Sex Offenders Treatment Programme, a measure aimed at reducing the risk of reoffending. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service and to register as a Sex Offender for a period of five years. Furthermore, Cox was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years, restricting his activities and contact with minors.

Defense lawyer Oliver Woolhouse stated that the court was unaware of the new offence when Cox received his initial 21-month sentence. He expressed regret that the matter was only uncovered later, describing the situation as “unfortunate to say the least.” Woolhouse also noted that Cox had been held on remand for only a few days after completing his custodial sentence, awaiting sentencing for the new offence.

Prosecutor Nigel Stelling confirmed that Cox had engaged in consensual sex with the girl, who later reported the incident to the police after their relationship ended. It was also revealed that Cox, who previously resided in Brierley Hill, was aware that the girl was underage at the time, but this knowledge did not deter their relationship from continuing.

Ultimately, the court decided not to impose further imprisonment, taking into account Cox’s previous sentence and the circumstances of the case. The ruling reflects the complexities involved in cases where multiple offences are linked to the same individual, especially when new information emerges after initial sentencing.