ALEXANDER ATKINSON SENT TO PRISON FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BRIDLINGTON
In May 2016, Alexander Atkinson, a 20-year-old man from Bridlington, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a teenage girl who was only 14 years old at the time.The disturbing case came to light when the victim's father discovered entries in her diary that detailed the inappropriate encounters, prompting him to contact the police and initiate an investigation.
According to the prosecution, Gordon Stables, Atkinson had met the young girl at a party in Bridlington and was fully aware of her age.
After the event, Atkinson walked her home and during their conversation, she explicitly told him she was just 14.
Despite this, Atkinson made light of her age, joking that she was nearly 15, but he was aware of her true age.
His continued pursuit of the girl was evident as he arranged to meet her on two additional occasions during the summer months.
Stables explained that the girl was captivated by Atkinson, feeling flattered by his attention.
She initiated contact with him through messaging, leading to plans to meet at his flat.
On one such occasion, they fell asleep together, and upon waking, Atkinson expressed his affection, telling her he loved her.
The girl, overwhelmed by the situation, reciprocated her feelings.
During this encounter, Atkinson prepared a bath for them, and he entered the water naked.
The girl joined him, maintaining her underwear, indicating a level of consent but also raising concerns about the nature of their relationship.
The following day, Atkinson purchased red wine and pizza from a local shop in Bridlington.
The girl consumed two glasses of wine, claiming she did not feel intoxicated.
The pair then engaged in consensual sexual activity, which was later confirmed through diary entries read out in court.
The victim's father, having reviewed her diary, reported Atkinson to the authorities.
Although Atkinson initially denied any sexual activity, he admitted that his behavior was irresponsible and acknowledged that he knew the girl was only 14.
Atkinson pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child.
During mitigation, his legal representative, Nigel Clive, highlighted Atkinson's personal struggles, including significant difficulties coping with everyday life.
Clive also noted that Atkinson's biological father had previously been sentenced to eight years in prison for similar, more serious offenses, which had garnered media attention and subjected Atkinson to bullying at school.
Clive described him as a naive young man with low self-esteem and a small circle of friends.
Judge Mark Bury sentenced Atkinson to one year in prison.
The court also ordered him to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and imposed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order.
The case underscores the serious nature of grooming and exploitation, with the court emphasizing the importance of safeguarding minors from predatory behavior in the community of Bridlington.
