JARROW MAN DALE UNDERWOOD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SOUTH SHIELDS

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Jarrow and the surrounding South Tyneside area, Dale Underwood, aged 27, has been formally sentenced after engaging in inappropriate and illegal conduct involving a minor. The incident, which came to light during court proceedings in South Shields, involved Underwood's inappropriate communication and physical contact with a 14-year-old girl.

According to court records, Underwood was found guilty of engaging in sexual touching of a girl under the age of 16. The case revealed that he had been involved in a series of concerning interactions with the young girl, including a kiss on the lips, which the court noted was on the girl’s lips despite Underwood claiming he intended to kiss her on the cheek. The court heard that the girl’s parents became increasingly worried about her behavior and took the step of confiscating her phone to review her messages.

Investigations uncovered that there were more than 60 text messages exchanged between Underwood and the girl. These messages included discussions about the possibility of a sexual relationship, with Underwood expressing awareness of the risks involved. He reportedly told the girl that they would need to keep their interactions secret and even discussed arranging a clandestine meeting in a location where they would not be recognized or observed.

During police interviews, Underwood admitted that he was flattered by the girl’s attention. He claimed that his intentions were innocent, stating that he only planned to take her to a McDonald's and that he would not have allowed the relationship to become sexual. However, the court found his actions and communications to be serious enough to warrant criminal charges.

As a result of his conviction, magistrates ordered Underwood to register as a sex offender for a period of five years. Additionally, he was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes participation in a sexual offender treatment program aimed at rehabilitation and monitoring. To ensure compliance, Underwood was also subjected to a curfew from 7 am to 7 pm for seven days. Furthermore, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £170, along with a victim surcharge.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to protect minors from exploitation and to hold offenders accountable for their actions. The community of Jarrow and South Shields can rest assured that such conduct is taken very seriously and that justice has been served in this instance.