2007: MAN JAILED AFTER A LOVE BITE ATTACK ON GIRL, 14
A 42-year-old man received a one-year prison sentence after being found guilty of a particularly malicious and distressing assault on a 14-year-old girl.Additionally, Harper was ordered to register as a sex offender for a decade and was barred indefinitely from engaging in any work involving children.
Judge David McEvoy QC described the incident as a serious and unsettling attack, and noted that Harper, convicted of sexual activity with a minor, further aggravated his offence by forcing the girl to undergo a trial.
Prosecutor Nicolas Cartwright pointed out that Harper had no prior convictions related to sexual offences, with his last legal issue being a drink-driving offence nine years earlier.
Defense lawyer Martin Steen highlighted Harper’s stable relationship and diligent work life, adding that Harper, overwhelmed by emotional stress after caring for his late mother, had accidentally climbed on top of the sleeping girl and left a love bite on her neck.
He stressed that Harper did not grope her breasts, and the girl was able to escape.
The judge clarified that the assault was neither sustained nor violent.
Harper was convicted of committing an unlawful sexual act, with the court emphasizing that his intent was to have sex with the girl.
Nonetheless, the judge did not consider Harper a threat to other young girls, and he was sentenced to a year in custody, with his personal information to be recorded as a sex offender for ten years.
