JOHN CAMPKIN FROM SOUTHSEA ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE SEX OFFENSE INVOLVING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a controversial decision at Winchester Crown Court, John Campkin, a 27-year-old man from Southsea, was spared immediate imprisonment after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The incident took place at his residence on Hunter Road, Southsea, where he had reportedly lured the teenager into his home by offering her wine before the sexual encounter occurred.

Despite the gravity of the offense, the judge, Roger Hetherington, opted to impose a community order rather than jail time, citing the potential devastating impact on Campkin’s three young children, all under the age of five. The court heard that Campkin’s ex-partner, who is the mother of his children, was highly critical of the court’s decision. She expressed her outrage to The News, stating, “I’m absolutely disgusted. I’m ashamed that he is the father of my children. He makes me sick and he has ruined that girl’s life.”

It was revealed that she had left Campkin and their three children shortly before the incident in January of that year. She described her shock upon learning of his actions, saying, “I couldn’t believe it when I found out what he had done. He should be in jail.”

During the court proceedings, the defense, represented by Tim Mousley, argued that a custodial sentence would have a “severely detrimental effect” on Campkin’s ability to care for his children. The court acknowledged that sentencing guidelines generally recommend jail for such offenses but emphasized that these are not rigid rules. Judge Hetherington explained that the circumstances surrounding the case, including Campkin’s emotional state following his partner’s unexpected departure, were significant mitigating factors.

He stated, “None of that however would save you from a prison sentence. What in my judgment does are the powerful mitigating factors, in particular the effect which any period of custody would have on your three young children, the three of them under the age of five. Were you to be sent to custody, the effect on them would be drastic and entirely detrimental.”

As part of his sentence, Campkin was ordered to complete a three-year community supervision program and will be registered as a sex offender for five years. Additionally, he is required to attend a sex offender treatment program and is prohibited from working with children. Campkin pleaded guilty to one charge of sexual activity with a child, and the court’s decision reflects a complex balancing of justice and compassion, considering the impact on his young family.