ALLAN MORRIS SENTENCED IN LEAMINGTON FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON SCHOOLGIRL NEAR WARWICK

In a case that has shocked the community of Leamington, Allan Morris, a 38-year-old man from Crown Way, Lillington, was convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a young girl and subsequently sentenced to prison. The incident took place in Warwick, where Morris was found guilty of engaging in sexual acts with a girl who was only 15 years old, despite his initial denial of the charges.

According to court proceedings, Morris had arranged to meet the girl after they had initially connected through social media. The girl, who was described as having the educational capacity of an eight-year-old, was befriended by Morris following a chance encounter in a taxi. At the time, Morris was employed as a cleaner and would often travel with a known driver, simply for companionship. It was during one of these journeys that he encountered the girl and her grandmother, leading to further contact.

Prosecutor Tim Sapwell explained that Morris added the girl as a 'friend' on Facebook, and although the girl did not disclose her age, Morris was aware of her learning difficulties. The court heard that the pair arranged to meet outside a shop in Leamington town centre. On the day of the meeting, the girl had been out with a friend and her mother, but she failed to return home afterward. Her mother, concerned about her whereabouts, contacted the girl’s friend’s mother, who then went to look for her near the shops.

It was during this search that the girl was seen walking past with Morris. When the woman called her name, the girl appeared worried, and Morris quickly walked away in the opposite direction. The girl later told police that Morris had carried out sexual acts on her in a nearby park. She explained that Morris had asked for permission to engage in these acts, and although she did not want it to happen, she did not explicitly refuse.

Following the investigation, Morris was charged with sexual activity with a child. Initially denying the allegations, he changed his plea to guilty on the day of his trial at Warwick Crown Court. The judge, Recorder Simon Ward, sentenced Morris to three years in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life. Additionally, a sexual offences prevention order was imposed, prohibiting Morris from having any contact with children under 16 for a period of ten years.

This case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse, especially in communities like Leamington where such incidents can deeply impact local residents.