JANICE HARDING OF FALMOUTH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH 15-YEAR-OLD BOY

In September 2001, a case that drew significant attention in the Cornwall region concluded with a woman avoiding imprisonment despite her involvement in a serious criminal matter. Janice Harding, a 29-year-old single mother residing in The Beacon, Falmouth, was found guilty by a jury on July 23 of this year of engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The court proceedings revealed that Harding had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy, a relationship that reportedly began before his 16th birthday and continued afterward, on multiple occasions.

During the trial at Truro Crown Court, the prosecution painted a picture of Harding as having had a 'torrid affair' with the young boy, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons. The evidence presented indicated that Harding, who is a mother of three children aged 11, six, and 19 months, had a sexual relationship with the boy that was both frequent and ongoing. The court heard that Harding's relationship with the minor was not a one-time event but a series of encounters that spanned a period before and after the boy's 16th birthday.

Judge Giles Forrester, presiding over the case, addressed Harding during sentencing. While he acknowledged the seriousness of her actions, he also emphasized that he did not believe a custodial sentence was the most appropriate course of action at this time. Instead, he ordered Harding to register as a sex offender for five years, a measure intended to serve as a deterrent. Additionally, she was given a three-year Community Rehabilitation Order, aimed at monitoring her reintegration into society and preventing future offenses.

Judge Forrester expressed his belief that Harding had engaged in sexual intercourse with the boy on numerous occasions, both before and after his 16th birthday. He noted that the young man was a willing participant in these encounters, but also stressed the importance of protecting minors under the law. The judge remarked, 'It is also right that young people may need the protection of the law,' highlighting the potential long-term impact such conduct could have on the minor involved.

Furthermore, the court was informed that Harding was currently in a relationship with another man, which had lasted for the past eight months. The judge acknowledged her role as the primary caregiver for her three children, which added complexity to the sentencing decision. Harding's defense attorney, Simon Laws, argued that a custodial sentence would have a punitive effect disproportionate to the crime, especially considering Harding's responsibilities as the sole carer of her children.

He also pointed out that there was genuine affection between Harding and the boy, and described her as an isolated woman who had not experienced long-term relationships. According to Laws, Harding found some comfort and support in her relationship with the young man, who had become a source of solace for her during a difficult period in her life.

Ultimately, the court's decision reflected a balance between recognizing the gravity of Harding's actions and considering her personal circumstances, leading to a sentence that emphasizes supervision and registration rather than imprisonment.