FATHER JAILED FOR GROOMING AND ABUSING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN NOTTINGHAM
A man identified as Dominic Vernon, aged 43, who has no fixed address, has been convicted and sentenced for repeatedly engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl.Vernon lied to the girl about his age, claiming he was 31, and told her he wanted to marry her and have children.
The Nottingham Crown Court was informed that Vernon did not seek out sex purposely but this occurred during a time when his relationship with his wife was ending, and he had been involved with escorts.
During the trial, Vernon maintained his innocence, claiming he saw an opportunity to be with the girl after her family issues arose.
The court learned that Vernon 'bombarded' the girl over ten days with messages and flirtation, taking her to secluded places for sexual contact, which then escalated to full intercourse.
At some moments, he did not use a condom despite her preference, and he allegedly transmitted a likely sexually transmitted disease, possibly chlamydia, to her, leaving her confused and frightened.
Vernon falsely claimed to have not had sex in eight months and expressed his desire to marry her and have children, but the court found that he was using her for sex.
The victim, who was inexperienced and vulnerable, experienced severe emotional consequences including nightmares, self-harm, and alcohol abuse, and has since undergone therapy.
Her relationship with her family has been damaged, and her school progress has been affected.
Vernon was convicted of inciting a child to engage in a sexual act and multiple counts of sexual activity with a child.
He was sentenced to seven years in prison, with a requirement to serve at least two-thirds before release on licence.
Vernon was also placed on the sex offenders register for life, and he expressed remorse, acknowledging the damage caused and vowing not to reoffend.
