AARON EMMETT SENT TO PRISON IN PLYMOUTH FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In a case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, Aaron Emmett, a 25-year-old former Royal Navy sailor, was sentenced to prison after admitting to engaging in unprotected sexual activity with a girl aged just 14.The incident, which took place earlier this year, was brought to light through social media, specifically Facebook, where messages between the two indicated a sexual relationship.
Emmett, who resides on Woodville Close in North Prospect, appeared before Plymouth Crown Court to face charges of sexual activity with a minor.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of having sexual relations with a child, a serious offence that has garnered significant attention from both the legal system and the local community.
Prosecutor David Gittins outlined the details of the case, emphasizing that the evidence suggested Emmett was attracted to the girl.
The court was told that on two separate occasions, the defendant and the girl engaged in unprotected sex.
The case was initially uncovered when someone noticed the Facebook messages, which clearly indicated a sexual relationship between the two.
When police interviewed the girl and her father, she initially claimed that their interactions had only involved kissing and hugging, denying any sexual activity.
However, she later admitted that intercourse had taken place but expressed a desire not to cause trouble for Emmett.
The prosecution clarified that the girl was not under any pressure and that the sexual encounters were consensual.
During police interviews, Emmett, who was described as highly emotional, remorseful, and regretful, finally confessed to having unprotected sex with the girl on two occasions.
It was noted that he had no prior criminal convictions.
The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to seek a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, considering the incident a one-off occurrence.
Representing Emmett, solicitor Robert Linford told the court that the defendant’s family and current girlfriend were present to support him, providing testimonials attesting to his character.
Linford acknowledged that Emmett, at 25, should have known better than to engage in such conduct with a 14-year-old girl.
He emphasized that there was no coercion or threats involved and that both parties had consented to their actions, which they both wanted to pursue.
Linford also highlighted that Emmett had left the Royal Navy on good terms and was generally considered a man of good character.
He requested that the court consider a suspended sentence, arguing that Emmett’s actions, while inappropriate, did not warrant immediate imprisonment.
However, Judge Paul Darlow deemed the case more serious due to the significant age difference of 11 years between Emmett and the girl.
While acknowledging that there was no evidence of pressure or disturbance on her part, the judge stated that the nature of the offence required a custodial sentence.
Consequently, Emmett was sentenced to 18 months in prison, ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, and prohibited from working with children in the future.
