EXMOUTH MAN GARY SPARKES JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES WITH 15-YEAR-OLD SCHOOLGIRL NEAR CULLOMPTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Exmouth and the surrounding areas, Gary Sparkes, a 49-year-old man from Tennyson Way, Exmouth, has been sentenced to prison for engaging in sexual activities with a 15-year-old girl. The offenses occurred during a period of approximately three months and involved multiple instances of inappropriate conduct, including sexual intercourse, which took place in various locations, notably in a lay-by near Cullompton and at Sparkes' own residence.

According to court reports, Sparkes initially befriended the young girl after persuading her parents to allow her to accompany him on a trip through the countryside near Cullompton. This trip was ostensibly for the purpose of showing her around the rural roads, but it soon became clear that Sparkes's intentions were far from innocent. The relationship developed through a series of text messages exchanged between Sparkes and the girl, with the communication spanning hundreds of pages on Facebook, where they shared approximately 95 messages from Sparkes and 125 from the girl.

The court heard that Sparkes, a father of two, had established a level of trust with the girl, which he exploited to carry out his misconduct. The girl revealed that she and Sparkes had engaged in sexual activity on four separate occasions, including once in the back of his car in a lay-by during her school lunch break. She also recounted that the relationship began after they connected on Facebook, and they arranged to meet in person for sexual encounters. At one point, she believed she might be pregnant, though this was later found not to be the case.

The case came to light when the girl’s older sister discovered suspicious messages on her Facebook account. Her parents then reported the matter to the police, leading to an investigation. During her police interview, the girl confirmed the details of their encounters, emphasizing that the sexual activities took place over a span of three months. Her father also recalled receiving a text message from Sparkes, asking to take his daughter out in his car as a navigator, as Sparkes was working in Mid Devon at the time.

Prosecutor Sean Brunton outlined the gravity of the situation, stating that Sparkes had committed four sexual offenses involving the minor. The court was informed that Sparkes had sent the girl a total of 95 text messages, while she responded with 125 messages, and their Facebook conversations extended over 500 pages. The evidence painted a clear picture of a predatory relationship that exploited the innocence of a young girl.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, addressed Sparkes directly, condemning his actions. The judge remarked, “You had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old schoolgirl, who was the daughter of a family who were friends of yours. She was young enough to be your daughter. You had sex with her at your house and in addition you drove to Cullompton to have sex with her in the back of your car during a school lunch break.”

In his defense, Sparkes’s lawyer, Rupert Taylor, highlighted that Sparkes was fortunate to have the support of his wife and two adult children. The defense also acknowledged Sparkes’s remorse, noting that he accepted responsibility for his actions and that he was suffering from depression and was on medication at the time. Taylor argued that Sparkes’s relationship with the girl was rooted in a moment of vulnerability and that he deserved some leniency, although the court made it clear that the offenses were serious.

Judge Gilbert sentenced Sparkes to two years in prison for the four sexual offenses. Additionally, Sparkes was ordered to register as a sex offender, a standard requirement for such cases. The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “You are a man of 48 who had intercourse with a girl of 15,” and warned that all sentencing options remained open, including the possibility of immediate custody.

This case underscores the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians to protect young people from exploitation. The community of Exmouth and nearby areas are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.