MAN JAILED FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BATH PARK
A man responsible for sexually abusing a teenage girl in a park has been sentenced to prison.Giuseppe Geraci engaged in conversation with the 15-year-old in the centre of Bath city.
Bristol Crown Court was informed that after commenting that she was "pretty," he kissed her before they moved to Royal Victoria Park.
There, he inappropriately touched her on a bench, then took her to a nearby bush where the molestation occurred, the court heard.
Geraci, 29, residing on East Street in Warminster, admitted to three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
The judge, James Patrick, sentenced him to four and a half years in prison.
During the sentencing, the judge stated to Geraci: "You perceived her as sexually attractive.
Once you realized she was only 15, you chose to exploit her in a profoundly harmful way." He was also issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, prohibiting him from cohabiting with or having unsupervised contact with females under 18.
Additionally, he was barred from working with children or vulnerable adults and was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
Prosecutor James Haskell explained that the girl, who was vulnerable, was in Bath city centre when Geraci approached her, asking if she knew where to buy cigarettes.
Geraci claimed he was 25 and complemented her appearance, the court was told.
Mr Haskell added: "She said it was pleasant to hear a compliment.
They moved to a park, and he asked her age, to which she responded that she was 15." After visiting a shop together, Geraci kissed her on the lips, causing her to feel surprised and confused, the court heard.
He then asked if there were any parks nearby; she indicated there was a small park close by.
Geraci expressed affection, suggesting they might fall in love.
The girl confided in Geraci about her troubled background before they reached Victoria Park.
While sitting on a bench, he put her on his lap and groped her, then led her to a bush where sexual activity took place.
The court was told that Geraci wanted to take her to his residence, but she panicked, messaged her mother, and police were called.
Initially, Geraci claimed she told him she was 18 and later asserted she had initiated the sexual contact when questioned.
Defense lawyer Tabitha Macfarlane argued that her client was naive and mentally more similar to a young person.
She stated: "Upon release, he will return to a supportive family environment."
