ANTONIO LAWRIE FROM SOUTHAMPTON JAILED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRL IN SOUTHAMPTON
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Southampton, Antonio Lawrie, a 22-year-old man, was convicted of multiple sexual assaults against a young girl, with the incidents spanning several months.The case drew significant attention after initial sentencing was challenged by the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, who believed the original punishment was insufficient given the severity of Lawrie’s actions.
Lawrie was accused of sexually assaulting the victim on at least 16 separate occasions.
The assaults came to light when a witness observed Lawrie with his hand under the girl’s dress, prompting immediate police intervention.
The case was brought before Southampton Crown Court in June, where Lawrie received a sentence of two years in prison, suspended for two years.
Additionally, he was ordered to participate in a rehabilitation program and was placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for a decade.
However, the severity of Lawrie’s crimes prompted the Solicitor General to intervene.
Following a review, the Court of Appeal increased his sentence to three years of immediate imprisonment, emphasizing the seriousness of his offenses and the ongoing threat he posed to other children.
After the hearing, the Solicitor General stated, “Lawrie carried out a campaign of sexual assault against a young girl, and I hope that she will take some comfort from the increased sentence today.
Lawrie continues to pose a threat to other children, and it is therefore important that he serves an immediate custodial sentence.” Earlier in June, Lawrie’s case had taken a different turn when a judge decided against sending him to prison, citing his “complex” learning difficulties.
The judge, Judge Gary Burrell QC, expressed concern that Lawrie would be “taken advantage of both physically and mentally” if incarcerated, and therefore, opted for a suspended sentence.
Despite denying all seven counts of sexual assault by touching, Lawrie was found guilty, according to reports from the Daily Echo.
During the sentencing hearing, defense counsel Jon Swain highlighted Lawrie’s struggles with social interactions and his inability to fully comprehend the wrongfulness of his actions.
Swain argued that punishing him with immediate imprisonment would be unjust, given his mental health and learning difficulties.
The court responded by imposing a two-year sentence, suspended for two years, along with a ten-year restraining order preventing contact with children and a 60-day rehabilitation order.
Lawrie’s criminal activities and employment history also drew public attention.
In March 2018, police praised the cooperation of his employer, MyCoaching, a Southampton-based sports education company, for supporting the investigation into Lawrie’s misconduct.
Although the abuse did not occur on the premises of MyCoaching, the company’s management provided crucial information that aided law enforcement efforts.
Detective Constable Mariette Ladd from the Child Abuse Investigation Team commended the partnership, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in safeguarding children.
Lawrie was employed by MyCoaching, which offers educational programs for young adults aged 15 to 19, from September 2015 until June 2017.
The company’s managing director, James Welsh, confirmed Lawrie’s employment and stated that he was never left unsupervised with children, always being overseen by a senior mentor.
The schools where Lawrie conducted activities included Ludlow Infant School, Townhill Infant School, and Harefield Primary School, all part of the Hamwic Education Trust.
The trust declined to comment directly but clarified that each school was responsible for selecting its sports club operators.
Following the revelations, Harefield Primary School’s head teacher, Georgia Radford, issued a statement informing parents that Lawrie was never unsupervised with pupils.
She also noted that Southampton City Council’s designated officer had expressed no concerns regarding any pupils’ safety.
Conversely, Harefield School announced it would no longer engage with MyCoaching for future activities.
Lawrie, who resides on Bluebell Road in Southampton, is scheduled for sentencing next month, with authorities emphasizing the importance of protecting children from individuals like him.
