JACK BURNETT

SOLDIER SENTENCED FOR SEX WITH UNDERAGE GIRL

A soldier named Private Jack Burnett, aged 19, was sentenced for engaging in sexual activity with an underage girl.

The court heard that he had sex with the girl, who was weeks away from her 16th birthday, during a camping trip while he was on home leave in Barry.

They shared a tent, and during that evening, the pair had sex twice.

The girl confided in her friends shortly afterward, and a week later, she told her parents and the police.

Burnett admitted to police that he had sex with her but claimed she had instigated it.

He later pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual activity with a girl under 16.

The court was informed of the emotional impact on the girl, who expressed feelings of lost confidence, flashbacks, and fears of encountering Burnett.

His defense argued he was highly regarded and close to promotion, and that he showed immaturity and was attracted to younger individuals.

Judge Geraint Walters criticized Burnett's actions, emphasizing that having sex with a minor under 16 is clearly wrong and that Burnett's claimed maturity was inconsistent with his behavior.

Burnett, formerly of Barry and now residing at Lucknow Barracks in Tidworth, received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and is required to register as a sex offender for ten years.

His military career is now under review by army officials.