BRADLEY EVANS FROM FLEETWOOD ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In August 2017, a troubling case emerged involving Bradley Luke Evans, a 21-year-old man from Fleetwood, who was involved in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl. The incident took place at an address in Fleetwood, specifically in the port area, after Evans had returned home from a night out during which he had consumed alcohol and cannabis.

According to court proceedings, the young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, entered a room where Evans was present. During their interaction, Evans made inappropriate comments, asking if she was a virgin and suggesting that she should trust him to be the one to take her virginity. The conversation quickly escalated into sexual acts.

Throughout police interviews, Evans initially denied the allegations, choosing not to comment during the second interview. However, during a third interview, he eventually confessed to the offences. He pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child on June 4 of the previous year. The victim provided a statement indicating that the incident had a profound impact on her, affecting her emotional well-being and her relationships with others.

The case was heard at Preston Crown Court, where Judge Philip Sycamore delivered the verdict. The judge noted that Evans was 19 at the time of the offences and was 21 when sentenced. He acknowledged that, aside from two cautions, Evans had a generally good character prior to these events. The judge emphasized that, since both the victim and the offender were teenagers, the case did not involve a clear abuse of trust typically seen in situations involving teachers or scout leaders.

Judge Sycamore assessed Evans as a medium risk for causing serious psychological harm to children in the future. After careful consideration of the circumstances, including Evans’ age at the time and the disparity in ages, the judge decided that a community order would serve society’s best interests. This decision was based on the potential for rehabilitation and the fact that a short custodial sentence might not be appropriate.

As part of the community order, Evans was required to undergo a rehabilitation program and participate in a sex offender’s treatment scheme. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years and was subject to restrictions on contact with children. The court’s ruling aimed to balance punishment with the possibility of reform, reflecting the complexities of juvenile offending and the importance of community safety.