PRESTON PERVERTS CARL ATKINSON AND DANIEL ROSS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In January 2017, a disturbing case emerged from Preston involving two men, Carl Atkinson and Daniel Ross, who engaged in heinous acts against a vulnerable 14-year-old girl.The incident unfolded after the young victim, who had been drinking vodka at her home, decided to go out and meet the two men, both of whom she knew from the Preston area.
According to court proceedings, the girl had obtained another bottle of vodka from a friend while out, and her alcohol consumption left her severely intoxicated, described as being 'smashed.' She eventually found herself at the flat of a third male acquaintance, where the disturbing events took place.
The girl recounted that she had asked Carl Atkinson to have sex with her while the third male and Daniel Ross were in the same room, playing on a PlayStation console.
As her intoxication worsened, she became sick and vomited in the kitchen.
Subsequently, Ross began to pressure her into having sex with him.
Despite her initial refusal, she eventually gave in and engaged in sexual activity with Ross on a bed within the flat.
Throughout this ordeal, Atkinson and the third male continued to play on the PlayStation, seemingly unaware or unconcerned about the girl’s distress.
During the incident, Atkinson took advantage of the situation by recording the sexual acts.
The girl later became aware that Atkinson had taken a picture or video of her, and she heard him mention posting the footage online.
She believed he was joking at first, but the threat of sharing the images persisted.
Neither of the men used protection during the acts, and the girl managed to delete the video clip afterward.
Atkinson apologized for his actions, but she decided to leave the flat.
He accompanied her home, but she was unable to access her address until 6 a.m., during which time police were alerted that she was missing.
Both men faced serious charges in Preston Crown Court.
Carl Atkinson, aged 21 and of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to multiple offenses, including two counts of sexual activity with a child, making indecent images of a child, and distributing an indecent film of a child.
He was sentenced to three years and four months in prison and was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order.
Daniel Ross, aged 20 from Preston, admitted to sexual activity with a child and abducting a child.
His past convictions included a previous abduction of another girl, and he had been served with a notice warning him to stay away from the victim.
Ross received a sentence of two years and eight months in prison.
During the sentencing, Judge Andrew Woolman emphasized the gravity of the offenses, particularly highlighting the fact that the offenders had posted the images online, which could have gone viral and caused profound distress to the victim and her family.
The court also heard from the defense, with Anthony Morris representing Atkinson, who acknowledged the influence of alcohol and the disturbing decision to film the acts.
Following the case, Detective Inspector Warren Atkinson issued a warning, stating that such cases are unfortunately not uncommon.
He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and aware of the signs that their children may be being groomed or exploited, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding measures in the community.
