CHRISTOPHER DAWE FROM BROADWINDSOR SENTENCED FOR PREGNANCY OF 14-YEAR-OLD SCHOOLGIRL IN DORCHESTER

In a case that has shocked the local community of Broadwindsor and the wider Dorset area, Christopher Dawe, aged 27, has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in a serious criminal offense involving a young girl. The incident came to light after authorities uncovered that Dawe had engaged in sexual activity with a 14-year-old schoolgirl, which resulted in her becoming pregnant. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of the case, highlighting the breach of trust and the exploitation of a minor.

Dawe, who resides in Trusthams, Broadwindsor, pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. As part of his sentencing, he was ordered to be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, a measure that underscores the severity of his actions. Additionally, he was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which will remain in effect until further notice, restricting his activities and contact with minors.

The case was heard at Dorchester Crown Court, where it was disclosed that the offenses occurred just a few months after Dawe had been issued a Child Abduction Warning Notice. This prior warning was related to his contact with another young girl via social media, indicating a pattern of concerning behavior. The court was informed that the initial alarm was raised in November 2012 by the father of the teenage girl involved in the pregnancy case. Despite the concerns, the girl initially denied any contact with Dawe, complicating the investigation.

It was only in November of the previous year that Dawe was arrested, at which point DNA evidence confirmed that he was the biological father of the child born to the 14-year-old girl. The evidence was irrefutable, and Dawe admitted to the contact when confronted with the DNA results. Prosecutor Mark Ashley emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the young girl was vulnerable and that Dawe had taken advantage of her trust.

During the sentencing hearing, Dawe’s defense lawyer, Tim Shorter, acknowledged the reality of the situation, stating, “Mr Dawe has to accept, and does accept, that regardless of the extent of a relationship between them, she is the victim and must be treated as the victim.” The court heard that Dawe’s previous interactions with authorities included the issuance of a Child Abduction Warning Notice in July 2012 and a subsequent referral to child services in September 2013, indicating ongoing concerns about his conduct.

Judge Roger Jarvis sentenced Dawe to three years in prison on each of the two counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. The judge also mandated that Dawe sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and imposed the SOPO, which will remain in place until further notice. In his remarks, Judge Jarvis highlighted the disturbing nature of the case, noting that Dawe was a mature man at the time of the offenses, while the girl was little more than a child. The judge remarked on the apparent confusion of feelings experienced by the young girl and condemned Dawe for taking advantage of her vulnerability, emphasizing the breach of trust and the exploitation involved in the case.