GLEN ANDREWS FROM CALNE AND GLASTONBURY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF VULNERABLE TEENAGER

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Calne and Glastonbury, Glen Andrews, a 38-year-old man with connections to both towns, has been sentenced to four years in prison for the sexual abuse of a teenage girl described as a 'vulnerable individual.'

The incident came to light during proceedings at Taunton Crown Court, where it was revealed that Andrews, who now resides at Primrose Close in Calne, Wiltshire, had engaged in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 18. The court heard that Andrews admitted to four charges related to these acts, which took place when the girl was only 16 years old.

Prosecutor William Hunter explained that Andrews had exerted considerable pressure on the victim to prevent her from reporting the abuse to authorities. Despite this coercion, Andrews later acknowledged to police that he was aware his actions were wrong and confirmed that he had engaged in sexual relations with the girl when she was 16.

During the court proceedings, it was also noted that Andrews ceased his advances once the girl explicitly asked him to stop, and she refused to continue the relationship. The court was informed that the girl was under significant emotional strain, which was exploited by Andrews during their interactions.

Judge David Ticehurst, presiding over the case, referenced pre-sentence reports and expressed concern that Andrews did not seem to comprehend the criminality of his actions. The judge remarked, "Any right-minded person would find a description of these offences abhorrent and disgusting, apart, it seems, from the defendant."

Defence counsel Derek Perry stated that Andrews had been forthcoming about what transpired, describing his client as 'open' in explaining his conduct. Perry also argued that Andrews would benefit more from participating in the Thames Valley Sex Offenders Programme, which he believed would be more constructive for society than a prison sentence.

However, the judge acknowledged Andrews' early guilty pleas but emphasized that he failed to accept full responsibility for his behaviour. The judge pointed out that Andrews claimed his offending was initiated by the girl, but he added, "Even if that was correct, a more mature person in a position of trust should have said no."

He further condemned Andrews' actions as a calculated and deliberate abuse of a child who should have been able to seek support and protection. The court noted that Andrews refused to acknowledge any fault, which influenced the severity of his sentence.

As part of his punishment, Andrews was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, and he was issued a sex offences prevention order. Additionally, he was banned from working with children, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the need to protect vulnerable individuals in the community.