JANE STANTON SENTENCED IN STAFFORD FOR DRUNKEN SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD BOY IN NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME

In July 2004, Jane Stanton, aged 45 and residing on Vale Street in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, was sentenced to two years in prison at Stafford Crown Court for her involvement in a sexual assault on a 14-year-old boy. Judge John Shand described her actions as "drunken abuse" directed at a vulnerable young person.

Stanton had pleaded not guilty to the charge of indecent assault but admitted to having had sex with the boy, claiming she believed he was 16. The jury was informed that on the night of the incident, Stanton sent the boy a birthday card that read "happy 14th" birthday, indicating his actual age.

The court heard that Stanton was prohibited from working with children for ten years and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the same period.

During the trial, Stanton explained she had no sexual intent, saying, "I had no sexual thoughts about the boy, but he looked gorgeous when I saw him in the bathroom wearing only shorts." She recounted that she entered his room to apologize after seeing him, sat on his bed, and engaged in a conversation to determine if he was a virgin. Stanton stated that the boy told her he was 16 and that he approached her, to which she responded.

She claimed that she stopped the encounter after a few minutes because she felt uncomfortable and then went downstairs. Stanton expressed that she felt "soiled" upon discovering his true age.

The boy testified that Stanton had "pinned me to the bed and groped me," asserting she forcefully attacked him.

Judge Shand told Stanton, "The jury found you guilty on overwhelming evidence. You had full intercourse with that young lad almost against his wishes. It was drunken abuse on a young person who was extremely vulnerable. You showed no remorse at all."