YORK MAN BEN CUTTLE CAUGHT IN SEX OFFER SCHEME INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In August 2020, a disturbing case emerged from York involving a young man named Ben Richard Andrew Cuttle, aged 20, who attempted to engage in a sexual transaction with a 12-year-old girl.The incident was brought to light during a hearing at York Magistrates Court, revealing the troubling details of Cuttle’s online misconduct.
According to prosecutor Mahmood Khan, Cuttle initiated contact with the young girl through Facebook, a popular social media platform.
In his message, he explicitly offered to pay her money in exchange for sexual activity, stating, “I will give you money and pay you if you want to have sex.” This unsolicited and inappropriate proposition was made despite the girl not knowing Cuttle personally.
Unbeknownst to him, the girl had already confided in her mother about receiving a strange message from a man she did not recognize.
As a result, the mother was the recipient of Cuttle’s message, not the girl herself.
During the court proceedings, Cuttle, who resides on Tang Hall Lane in York, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a minor.
His legal representative, solicitor Graham Parkin, emphasized that Cuttle, who is reliant on benefits, would have been incapable of fulfilling any transaction, as he had offered far more money than he possessed.
Parkin’s statement aimed to highlight the lack of real intent or capacity on Cuttle’s part.
District Judge Adrian Lower commended the girl for her maturity and presence of mind in handling the situation.
He expressed concern about the vulnerability of many young people who, unlike her, might not have the awareness or support to report such incidents.
The judge remarked, “I am afraid there are many young people who don’t have the presence of mind, don’t tell a mother and end up getting groomed and getting engaged in totally inappropriate sexual behaviour at a young age.” As part of his sentencing, Cuttle was handed a two-year community order.
This included a 90-day sex offender treatment program, 30 days of rehabilitative activities, and 200 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for five years and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order.
This order grants police the authority to monitor his online activities and restrict his access to girls under 16 years of age, also for a period of five years.
Prosecutor Khan further explained that despite being informed by the girl’s mother that the individual he believed he was contacting was only 12 years old, Cuttle still proceeded with his inappropriate offer, demonstrating a reckless disregard for the girl’s age and safety.
