SOUTHPORT WOMAN JOANNE ROSS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Southport, Joanne Ross, a 27-year-old woman, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on a Monday to face serious allegations related to her inappropriate relationship with a young girl. The incident, which came to light after a series of concerning events, has led to Ross being ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of five years, highlighting the gravity of her actions.

According to court proceedings, Ross had known the girl, who was only 13 years old at the time, for several years. Their relationship, initially friendly, took a troubling turn shortly before authorities intervened. The situation escalated when the girl was discovered to have a love bite, prompting her family to contact the police. When officers arrived at the girl’s residence, they found Ross present at the scene. During police questioning, Ross admitted to kissing the girl and acknowledged giving her the love bite, which she claimed was done while she was intoxicated. Prosecutor Desmond Lennon detailed these admissions in court.

Further investigation revealed that the girl had initially kissed Ross on the cheek, and Ross had responded by kissing her on the mouth. The girl expressed that she harbored feelings for Ross, but emphasized that there had been no physical touching beyond the kisses. The two had communicated via Facebook messages, but authorities clarified that there was no evidence to suggest Ross had engaged in grooming behavior. Ross, when interviewed, explained that the girl had given her a love bite on her back and stated that they had shared kisses multiple times over the past two to three weeks.

Ross, who resides on Park Road in Southport, pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. The court considered her emotional personality disorder, which was presented as a mitigating factor, and imposed an 18-month community order. Additionally, Judge Graham Morrow, QC, mandated that Ross must register as a sex offender for five years, prohibit her from working with children, and issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that restricts her internet use and limits her to being alone with individuals under 16 for the same duration.

Defense lawyer James Burke argued that Ross had no prior convictions and that her relationship with the girl was rooted in mutual comfort, with boundaries becoming blurred over time. He emphasized her emotional health issues as a significant factor in the case. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of the offenses and the need to protect vulnerable minors from potential harm, while also considering Ross’s personal circumstances.