JASON PEACH SENTENCED IN SOUTHAMPTON FOR SEXUAL ABUSE NEAR RINGWOOD
Jason Peach, 36, formerly of Kingston near Ringwood, was convicted of abusing a 15-year-old boy in a case described as involving "classic grooming," a court heard.The court was told that Peach met his victim at a music gig when the boy was just 14 years old.
He even befriended the victim's father and went for drinks with him.
The sexual abuse took place between July 9 and July 24 this year over several weekends.
While working together delivering parcels, Peach repeatedly kissed the highly vulnerable boy.
Prosecution barrister Matthew Lawson explained that Peach claimed to love his victim and spoke about "setting up home together." He also sent nude photos of himself to the boy but was caught when his wife discovered indecent images on his phone.
Despite this, the abuse continued.
Following his marriage breakdown, Peach gave the boy his wedding ring and told him to "throw it away." The situation worsened when Peach suggested they spend a night in a hotel and then kill themselves, proposing a "suicide-pact." Police arrived to arrest Peach while the boy was leaving to meet him, and they found razor blades in the boy’s bag.
In a victim impact statement read aloud in court, the boy said, "The abuse has affected me really badly and I find it really hard to sleep.
I wanted to kill myself." The boy also revealed that he is reminded of the abuse whenever he sees Royal Mail vans, post boxes, or post offices.
The victim's father stated that the postman "needs help and locking up." Peach appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday facing six charges, including rape and making indecent images of a child.
He had previously pleaded guilty.
Defense solicitor Keely Harvey urged the court to consider Peach's lack of prior convictions in sentencing, emphasizing his remorse and saying he had no intention of causing further distress to his victim.
Jurors convicted Peach, and Judge Peter Henry sentenced him to seven years in prison.
Additionally, Peach will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must register as a sex offender for life.
