JOHN FRANKLAND'S SHOCKING CRIME IN MIDDLESBROUGH: SEX OFFENDER ESCAPES JAIL AFTER INDECENT TOUCHING OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In a case that has shocked the community of Middlesbrough, John Frankland, a 32-year-old tattoo artist with a troubling criminal history, has narrowly avoided imprisonment after being convicted of indecently touching a young girl during a tattooing session at his home in Woodcock Road.On March 12 of this year, the victim, a 13-year-old girl, along with three friends, visited Frankland’s residence with the intention of getting tattoos.
During the session, an incident occurred that would lead to serious legal repercussions.
According to the court proceedings, the prosecution revealed that while Frankland was tattooing the girl, he turned the tattoo gun around and applied the vibrating tip to her upper thigh area, despite her pushing the gun away.
The court heard that he continued with the tattooing, which was done over her clothing, in a manner that was deemed inappropriate and concerning.
The incident only came to light after the girl’s mother noticed the tattoo and was not pleased with its appearance.
She subsequently reported her concerns to the police, which led to an investigation.
During police interviews, the girl was spoken to, and it was during this process that the full circumstances of the incident emerged.
John Frankland, who is currently unemployed, initially denied the charges brought against him.
However, on the day of his trial at Teesside Crown Court, he changed his plea to guilty, claiming that the touching was merely a sexual joke made in poor taste.
He was also charged with attempted sexual activity with a child, but he denied this allegation, and the court decided not to proceed with a trial on that count.
Frankland’s criminal record is extensive.
In 2009, he was convicted of two counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault following a trial at the same court.
He was sentenced to two years in prison and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years.
The recent incident saw Frankland spend more than three months in custody on remand before his sentencing.
In sentencing, Judge Tony Bridge acknowledged Frankland’s prior convictions and the seriousness of the offence.
However, he opted for a relatively lenient sentence, giving Frankland a six-month jail term, suspended for two years.
The judge also imposed a 12-month supervision order and a seven-month sexual prevention order to restrict Frankland’s activities and monitor his behavior moving forward.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of minors and the importance of strict regulation and oversight of individuals working with children, especially those with previous convictions for sexual offences.
The community of Middlesbrough remains vigilant as authorities continue to enforce measures aimed at protecting vulnerable young people from exploitation and harm.
