JAMES PALMER AND THOMAS BATES SENTENCED FOR ABUSING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN MORECAMBE AND LANCASTER

Two men responsible for the sexual abuse of a vulnerable 14-year-old girl have been sentenced to prison terms, bringing a measure of justice to the young victim. The disturbing case unfolded over a period of approximately one month, during which the teenage girl was subjected to multiple acts of sexual assault. The severity of the abuse was compounded when one of the offenders, James Palmer, inflicted further harm by burning her with a cigarette, an act that added a layer of physical trauma to the emotional and psychological damage already inflicted.

James Palmer, aged 25, of Torrisholme Square in Morecambe, and Thomas Bates, aged 20, of Scale Hall Lane in Lancaster, appeared before Preston Crown Court on Friday, March 7th, to face the charges. Bates, born on August 3, 2003, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual activity with a child, including seven counts of penetration, as well as causing the girl to watch a sexual act by showing her pornography. His guilty plea led to a sentence of eight years in prison.

Palmer, born on March 31, 1998, also admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a minor, including one count of penetration, along with assault. His plea resulted in a three-year prison sentence. Both men were also subjected to additional legal restrictions, including sexual harm prevention orders and lifetime restraining orders, to prevent any future contact with the victim or other minors.

The investigation and subsequent prosecution were led by Detective Constables Lauren Holt and Cheryl Greer, members of the West Child Exploitation Team. Detective Greer expressed her admiration for the victim’s bravery, stating, “First and foremost I would like to commend the bravery of the victim for having the strength to come forward and speak about what happened to her – we would not have been able to secure justice without her courage.”

She further emphasized the disturbing nature of the case, noting, “These two men clearly knew their victim was only 14 and yet they continued to sexually abuse her for their own gratification.” Detective Greer expressed hope that the court’s sentences would serve as a deterrent and encourage other victims of similar abuse to come forward, assuring the public that law enforcement agencies are committed to handling such cases with professionalism and sensitivity. The sentences handed down mark a significant step in addressing the exploitation and abuse faced by vulnerable young individuals in the Morecambe and Lancaster areas.