Exeter man jailed for drunkenly groping underage girl

Charles Kirkby, aged 39, of Church Road, St Thomas, Exeter, has been sentenced to 30 months in jail after he admitted to sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13 on two occasions. The incident involved Kirkby drunkenly groping the child, who subsequently fled and told her mother about the assault. The court heard that Kirkby was under the influence of alcohol at the time but denied any sexual intent. His arrest followed the mother’s call to the police later that evening. Kirkby pleaded guilty to two sexual assaults of a girl under 13 and was later sentenced at Exeter Crown Court. He was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Detective Constable Jon Stephens remarked that the victim’s bravery in disclosing the abuse allowed police to investigate and bring Kirkby to justice, stating, “His actions were motivated by sexual desire and showed no consideration for the child victim.” A police spokesperson emphasized the importance of reporting child sexual abuse regardless of when it occurred. Photos of Kirkby are included in the article, and he is now incarcerated following his admission to the offences.