JASON WINNIFRITH FROM BROMLEY RELEASED EARLY AFTER SEX OFFENSE INVOLVING TEENAGER

In December 2002, a disturbing case involving a Bromley man named Jason Winnifrith came to light, highlighting the serious issues surrounding sexual offenses and the legal consequences that follow. Winnifrith, aged 34 and residing on Crown Lane in Bromley, was brought before the Old Bailey on December 3 to face charges related to his inappropriate relationship with a minor.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Winnifrith had admitted to physically assaulting a 14-year-old girl and engaging in sexual activity with her while she was under the age of 16. Despite the gravity of these allegations, he was sentenced to nine months in prison. However, due to the time he had already spent in remand, he was set to be released before Christmas, allowing him to serve a shorter actual time behind bars.

Winnifrith’s criminal history includes previous convictions related to drug offenses and dishonesty, which added to the concerns raised during his sentencing. The relationship with the girl, who is now 17, began when she was just 14, and Winnifrith was 30 at the time. Despite clear disapproval from her parents, the pair continued their relationship and even moved in together, raising serious questions about the influence and vulnerability of the young girl.

Prosecutor Sarah Le Foc detailed the circumstances to the court, explaining that Winnifrith had falsely told his landlord that the girl was his daughter. The landlord later discovered the couple together in a bedroom, where the girl was dressed in revealing clothing and bore visible love bites on her neck, indicating a sexual relationship.

Further distress was caused when, on June 28, the girl’s mother noticed her daughter walking in the street with a black eye. The girl admitted to her mother that Winnifrith had hit her, prompting her mother to contact the police. Winnifrith was subsequently arrested in connection with the assault and the ongoing relationship.

During the hearing, Winnifrith’s defense lawyer, Rosina Cottage, acknowledged his misconduct, stating, “He accepts he acted reprehensibly,” but also noted that “the relationship is ongoing,” implying a complex and troubling situation.

The presiding judge, Recorder Mr. Michael Hyam, emphasized the importance of protecting young individuals from exploitation and harm. He stated, “In a sense the law extends to protect young people from themselves. A sentence of imprisonment is inevitable to mark society’s displeasure of what you did with her.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Winnifrith was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, underscoring the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.