CLIFFORD MAY GROOMS TEENAGE GIRL IN FELTHAM - NEARLY SENT TO PRISON
In April 2007, a distressing case unfolded involving Clifford May, a 20-year-old man from Feltham, who engaged in grooming a 14-year-old girl for sexual activity through online communication.The incident drew significant attention at Isleworth Crown Court, where May appeared tearful and visibly distressed during proceedings.
Despite the gravity of his actions, the judge opted to suspend his nine-month prison sentence for two years, emphasizing the importance of supervision and rehabilitation.
May, who resides on Sandalwood Road in Feltham, was found guilty of one charge of sexual activity with a child, which he admitted on July 30 of the previous year.
The case was initiated after the girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, went missing from her home.
Her concerned parents promptly contacted the police, who responded swiftly.
During their investigation, authorities discovered May’s contact details among letters found in the girl’s bedroom, as detailed by prosecutor Sally Fudge.
Further inquiries led police to May’s residence, where they uncovered evidence of sexual activity that was less than full intercourse but still constituted a serious offense.
It was established that May had initiated contact with the girl through an internet chatroom, engaging in ongoing communication via multiple channels, including mobile phones and handwritten letters.
During the court proceedings, May acknowledged that he had been in contact with the girl and admitted to having some sexual activity with her.
The prosecutor highlighted that the girl was a willing participant, but May’s legal team clarified that when she explicitly told him to stop, he complied.
The defense, led by Bernard Phelvin, argued that the case was at the lower end of the spectrum of such offenses.
Phelvin emphasized May’s background, describing him as someone with limited academic ability, stemming from a difficult childhood and low intellectual capacity.
He also pointed out that the girl had voluntarily engaged in the communication and behavior, and that May had ceased his actions when asked to do so.
Additionally, Phelvin noted that May had since secured employment and was in a relationship with an 18-year-old woman.
Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Andrew McDowall issued a stern warning to May, cautioning him that he was aware of the consequences should he re-offend in the future.
The judge’s decision to suspend the sentence was accompanied by strict conditions, including a two-year supervision order, a ten-year registration on the sex offenders’ register, and a ten-year sexual offences prevention order, underscoring the seriousness with which the court viewed the case.
