DALE SULLIVAN FROM WEYMOUTH JAILED FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN DORCHESTER

In a case that has drawn significant attention from the local community, Dale Sullivan, aged 23 and residing at Trinity Court in Weymouth, has been sentenced to prison for engaging in sexual activity with a minor. Sullivan had previously admitted to the charges during court proceedings, acknowledging his involvement in the unlawful act.

The incident took place on April 5 of this year, and the details were heard at Dorchester Crown Court. The court was informed that the victim, a 15-year-old girl whose identity remains protected due to her age, consented to the sexual encounter after consuming cider. The court heard that the two individuals met outside a pub in Weymouth, a town well known for its seaside charm and bustling social scene.

According to the prosecution, Joanna Morrisey, the case's lead prosecutor, explained that Sullivan and the girl had known each other since 2006. She recounted that Sullivan approached the girl and asked if she would like to accompany him, to which she agreed. It was noted that Sullivan had been drinking cider at the time, and the girl had also consumed some, albeit in small quantities.

The court was also told that the girl was supposed to be home by 9:15 pm that evening. However, she failed to return home, prompting her mother to start calling her friends to locate her. The girl's mother later recalled that Sullivan had, over time, inquired about her daughter's age, specifically asking when she would turn 16, which raised concerns about his intentions.

During the hearing, Timothy Shorter, representing Sullivan, argued that the incident was 'casual not predatory' and highlighted that Sullivan has struggled with alcohol dependency issues since childhood. Despite this, the judge, Christopher Harvey Clark, emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the defendant's awareness of the unlawfulness of his actions.

Judge Clark sentenced Sullivan to 12 months in prison, with the possibility of release on license after serving six months. The judge also made it clear that Sullivan was fully aware of the girl's age and the illegality of engaging in sexual activity with her. He expressed hope that Sullivan would participate in educational programs while incarcerated to prevent future offenses.

Furthermore, Sullivan will be required to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, a measure intended to protect the community and monitor his conduct moving forward.