JORDAN CARLEY SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF 12-YEAR-OLD IN CORBY

In a case that has shocked the community of Corby, a young girl of just 12 years old was subjected to a horrific act of sexual violence by a man named Jordan Carley. The incident, which took place in July 2015, resulted in the girl becoming pregnant, an outcome that ultimately led to her undergoing an abortion. The case only came to light after the girl, demonstrating remarkable courage, disclosed her ordeal to medical staff during her termination procedure, which prompted a DNA test that confirmed Carley's involvement.

Jordan Carley, aged 20 at the time of sentencing, resided on Gainsborough Road in Corby. He was convicted of raping the young girl and was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. The Northampton Crown Court heard how the girl, who is entitled to lifelong anonymity as a victim of sexual assault, endured severe bullying at her school following the incident, which had occurred four years earlier. The court was told that the girl had been subjected to relentless harassment and rumors, which compounded her trauma and isolation.

The court proceedings revealed that Carley was initially untruthful about his knowledge of the girl’s age. He claimed that she believed herself to be 16 and that she had consented to sexual activity. However, evidence showed that the girl had explicitly informed Carley of her age when they first met. The judge, Recorder David Herbert QC, emphasized that Carley exploited her vulnerability, taking advantage of her despite her protests. The court noted that although the girl’s account suggested she did not want to engage in sex, she went along with the situation out of reluctance, which the judge described as a clear indication that her consent was not genuine.

During the sentencing, the judge highlighted the significant age difference between Carley and the victim, stressing that he was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions. Carley’s behavior in luring her into the woods for sex, despite knowing her age, was condemned. The judge pointed out that Carley’s actions had profound and lasting effects on the girl, both physically and psychologically, especially considering the termination of her pregnancy. The impact statement from the victim detailed how her life had changed dramatically following the assault, including her withdrawal from social activities, her family, and her friends, as well as her need for counseling.

The case was delayed for four years due to court listing issues and an ongoing investigation into another alleged victim who claimed Carley had also assaulted her. However, Carley has not been convicted of any crimes related to that second victim. The court heard that the assault was only uncovered because the girl became pregnant and reported her concerns to medical staff, leading to the DNA test that identified Carley as the biological father.

Addressing Carley during sentencing, the judge acknowledged that the offence was detected because of the pregnancy and the subsequent medical investigation. Carley initially denied knowing the girl’s age, asserting that she believed herself to be 16 and that she consented to sex. The court, however, found that Carley had been aware of her young age and had deliberately taken advantage of her. The judge described his actions as predatory, noting that Carley had led her into the woods for sex, fully aware that she was underage and unable to give proper consent.

While the sentencing guidelines for such offences typically range from eight to ten years, the judge took into account Carley’s age, his early guilty plea, and positive character references. As a result, he imposed a sentence of four and a half years. The court also ordered that Carley serve half of his sentence in prison before being eligible for release on licence. Additionally, Carley will be registered as a sex offender for life. His family, including his mother, was present in court, sitting separately from the victim, as Carley prepared for his imprisonment, dressed in a black suit and carrying a holdall, symbolizing the reality of his impending incarceration.