JOHN TAIT FROM FARNWORTH JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL MET ON FACEBOOK

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, John Tait, a 29-year-old man from Farnworth, has been sentenced to prison after engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl he met through the social media platform Facebook. The incident highlights the dangers of online interactions and the risks posed to minors by predatory individuals seeking to exploit their innocence.

According to court records, Tait admitted to having sexual relations with the girl on September 12 of the previous year. The court was informed that Tait, who has a history of previous convictions, had developed a relationship with the girl through mutual acquaintances and online messaging. It was revealed that Tait initially believed the girl was older, as her Facebook profile listed her year of birth as 1995, making her appear to be of legal age. Despite this, the court heard that Tait engaged in sexual conversations with her, exchanging explicit messages and ultimately meeting her in person.

The meeting took place at Moses Gate in Farnworth, where Tait and the girl, accompanied by friends, went back to his residence. During the trial, it was noted that Tait became suspicious of the girl’s age after noticing a white shirt in her bag, which resembled a school uniform. This raised concerns about her true age, which was later confirmed to be under 16. Tait admitted to having unprotected sex with the girl but insisted that he did not force her into the act.

The court also heard about Tait’s criminal background, which includes a previous jail sentence for carrying a samurai sword in public, as well as convictions for harassment and battery. Additionally, he had been served with a notice for the abduction of a 14-year-old girl in 2008, further underscoring his history of concerning behavior.

During the proceedings, Tait’s defense lawyer, Nicola Gatto, argued that her client was misled by the girl regarding her age. She claimed that the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was mature for her age and already sexually active, which influenced Tait’s perception of her.

However, Judge Elliot Knopf was unequivocal in his judgment. He acknowledged that the Facebook messages indicated the girl was 16, but emphasized that by the time Tait engaged in sexual activity with her, he was fully aware or at least suspected she was under 16. The judge’s decision reflected the seriousness of the offense and the need to protect minors from exploitation.

As a result, Tait was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Furthermore, he was prohibited from having any contact with girls under the age of 16 without supervision and was banned from communicating with underage girls via Facebook or any online platforms. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people from predatory behavior.