EUGENE TYRELL OF HEDGE END SENTENCED IN SOUTHAMPTON FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST A CHILD
Eugene Tyrrell, 43, formerly of Hedge End, had been on the run for five years after being arrested for inciting sexual activity with a minor.Southampton Crown Court was told that after a birthday party, Tyrrell, then 43, met his 13-year-old victim and began communicating online between December 2011 and 2012.
Prosecutor Fern Russell stated, "It is clear the defendant was interested in sexual activity with teenage girls." She explained that Tyrrell, who was 36 at the time, and the victim—who cannot be named for legal reasons—had started discussing school, during which he admitted to having feelings for her.
The court also heard that Tyrrell had been in contact with a younger relative of the girl, though no charges were filed regarding this.
Tyrrell admitted he knew the victim's age but claimed he only "asked her for sex to see her reaction" and did not intend to meet her.
A victim impact statement was read out, revealing that she had self-harmed following the incident.
It stated, "I was young and vulnerable and Eugene Tyrrell preyed on this.
It led me to become depressed...
I have been taking medication for depression ever since.
All these years he has been free to live in South Africa." Prosecutor Fern Russell added that pursuing Tyrrell would have cost nearly £10,000.
Defense lawyer John Dyer described the incident as isolated, noting that Tyrrell, a funeral director, was "very lonely at the time—intimate relationships were infrequent." Mr.
Dyer also mentioned that Tyrrell returned to South Africa and, from references provided by his employer there, is considered a hardworking and highly respected individual.
Tyrrell was sentenced to 21 months in prison for three counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of failing to appear in court.
Judge Rowland stated, "This offending has contributed to quite a significant condition [the victim] has been suffering from from an early age."
