JAMIE HACKETT FROM MIDDLEPORT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In August 2011, Jamie Hackett, a 21-year-old man from Middleport, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The case was heard at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where prosecutors detailed the disturbing sequence of events that led to Hackett's conviction.

According to the court, Hackett, who was 20 years old at the time, initiated contact with a 13-year-old girl by asking her if she would like to go out with him. The court heard that on January 9, Hackett engaged in a conversation with the girl about marriage, asking her what kind of wedding she would prefer. During this exchange, he also discussed a condom that was on display in his room, which raised concerns about his intentions.

The prosecution revealed that the girl confided in the court that she was a virgin and felt ready to have sex. Hackett, in response, asked her if she was certain about her decision, to which she replied affirmatively. Subsequently, the two engaged in sexual intercourse. The court further established that they had a second encounter on January 15, during which Hackett again used a condom. However, this condom split during intercourse, causing the girl to become worried about the situation.

Six days after the second incident, the girl disclosed to her mentor at school what had transpired. This information was promptly reported to a child protection officer at the school, as well as to the police and the girl’s parents. Hackett was arrested on January 26. During police interviews, he denied any sexual activity had taken place but admitted that they had shared a few kisses.

Hackett, who resides at Dalehall Gardens in Middleport, pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual activity with a child. It was also revealed that he had prior convictions for similar offenses, including sexual activity with a male child and with a female under 16, when he was 17 and the victim was 15.

During mitigation, Peter McCartney explained that Hackett’s troubled upbringing contributed to his difficulties in social interactions, low self-esteem, and distrust of others. He emphasized that Hackett did not force himself on the girl or his previous victim.

Judge Simon Tonking sentenced Hackett to four and a half years in prison, acknowledging that while the girl was willing and asked if she was sure, Hackett, at age 20, should have known better than to engage in sexual activity with a 13-year-old, who is legally too young for such acts. The judge noted that the sexual encounters occurred on two occasions and that the condom burst during the second encounter, which likely prompted the girl to disclose the incidents.

While recognizing Hackett’s prior convictions, the judge stated he did not consider him a dangerous offender, as he did not believe he posed a significant risk of committing similar offenses in the future. Nonetheless, Hackett was subjected to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, and disqualified from working with children or participating in activities involving minors.