GILES CROSS FROM WINSFORD RECEIVES EXTENDED JAIL SENTENCE IN CHESTER

In February 2012, Giles Cross, a 46-year-old businessman from Pipers Ash, Winsford, and a convicted sex offender, had his prison term increased following new charges. Cross had previously been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of grooming a teenager. At an earlier hearing in January, he admitted five counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 15.

On Monday at Chester Crown Court, Judge Elgan Edwards extended Cross's sentence by an additional two and a half years. Prosecutor Karl Scholz explained to the court: “The complainant was 15 when she met the defendant in June 2007 at a polo club in Cheshire, where his business sponsored a trophy. Giles asked her to sell tickets for a private event that evening, and they began communicating via Facebook, MSN, and email. It was about a week after their initial contact that Cross became aware she was only 15. She was flattered by his attention; he paid her compliments and told her she was exciting.

“Cross would pick her up at her parents’ driveway and drop her off away from their home to avoid being seen together. On several occasions, he took her out in his car, where they went for walks or returned to his office in Tarporley, often ending with sexual activity. The girl saw him roughly once or twice a week before returning to school in September. Their relationship ended on her 16th birthday.

Investigations recovered over 150 chat logs from Cross’s computer, revealing the depth of their relationship. The girl had become pregnant with Cross’s child, though he denied paternity. She chose to have a clandestine abortion. Scholz added: “She was vulnerable, reporting low self-esteem and a history of self-harm which persisted during the relationship.” The victim came forward in January 2011 after reading about Cross’s original trial in the newspaper, stating she believed the girl’s account was truthful because “the same thing had happened to her.”

Defence lawyer Duncan Bould expressed remorse, stating: “He is ashamed of his behaviour and wishes to apologise to the girls and their families.” In sentencing, Judge Edwards remarked: “It is a very sad situation. You were an attractive proposition for a vulnerable and naive 15-year-old girl, and you took advantage of that. Such behaviour is unacceptable. Your conduct towards this girl was appalling and, in my view, exhibits a perversion that cannot be tolerated.”