JACOB CUTHBERT FROM NORTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AND DRUG OFFENSES IN YORKSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Norton, Jacob Cuthbert, aged 18, was sentenced to a substantial prison term after being found guilty of engaging in a series of serious criminal acts involving a minor girl and her younger friend. The incidents took place in April 2016 and have raised concerns about the safety and vulnerability of young people in the area.

According to court proceedings, Cuthbert, who resides on Riverside View in Norton, deliberately ignored police warnings about his inappropriate behavior towards underage girls. Despite these cautions, he proceeded to engage in a disturbing series of actions that culminated in a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl. The prosecution, led by Peter Hampton, detailed how Cuthbert had supplied alcohol to the girl and had unprotected sex with her on the floor of a garage. The court was told that after the act, Cuthbert made a disturbing comment, suggesting she might want to take a pregnancy test, which highlighted the reckless and irresponsible nature of his conduct.

Furthermore, Cuthbert’s misconduct extended beyond the initial incident. He was found to have violated a court-imposed ban on contacting girls under the age of 18 by giving a significant amount of cannabis to the girl’s 13-year-old friend. This young girl, heavily intoxicated after consuming the drugs, was taken to hospital but fortunately did not suffer any long-term health consequences. The court described this act as particularly troubling, especially considering Cuthbert had been released on bail with strict conditions to stay away from minors.

Judge Paul Batty QC, the Honorary Recorder of York, sentenced Cuthbert to three years and four months in prison. In his remarks, the judge expressed his concern that Cuthbert was fortunate not to face charges of rape, given the circumstances. He emphasized that the 14-year-old girl had trusted Cuthbert, viewing him as a friend, and that he had betrayed that trust through his sordid actions on the garage floor. The judge also highlighted the gravity of Cuthbert’s decision to supply cannabis to the girl’s younger friend shortly after being released on bail, calling it a significant and troubling aspect of the case.

During the proceedings, a victim impact statement was read, revealing that the older girl had been ostracized by her community and former friends since reporting the incident to the police. She expressed feelings of guilt and shame, believing that the unprotected sex was her fault. Cuthbert, who had no prior convictions, admitted to the charges of sexual activity with a child and supplying cannabis. His background was noted to include familial criminality, but he had previously avoided offending.

Police investigations revealed that Cuthbert had initially met the girl through Facebook. Despite warnings from authorities about his inappropriate behavior, he continued to pursue contact with her. It was established that about a month before the incident, he had met her in a garage, where he provided both girls with lager he had purchased. During this meeting, he encouraged the 14-year-old girl to perform a sex act, removed her clothing, and engaged in sexual intercourse with her. When she attempted to leave, Cuthbert became agitated and threw her mobile phone against the wall. He was arrested on April 23 and subsequently admitted to the offenses. Three days later, he committed the cannabis-related offense, further compounding his criminal record.

This case underscores the serious consequences of exploiting and endangering minors and highlights the importance of vigilance and enforcement in protecting vulnerable young people in Norton and beyond.