JORDAN ROBINSON SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IN MANCHESTER FOR GROOMING TEENAGE GIRL
A 21-year-old man named Jordan Robinson has been sentenced to two years in prison after grooming a 13-year-old girl by giving her alcohol and attempting to facilitate a sexual offence.Robinson met the girl at a Manchester park when she was experiencing problems at home.
He befriended her and her friends, then invited them to his flat in Manchester, which he had moved into in autumn 2019.
The flat operated as a 'free house,' offering a space for children to gather away from parental supervision and drink alcohol, as prosecutor Jon Close explained.
Initially, the girl visited Robinson’s flat 2-3 times per week with her friends, and later, at Robinson’s invitation, she began visiting alone.
During these visits, Robinson continued giving her vodka and other alcohol, often leading to her becoming heavily intoxicated, to the point where she needed hours to sober up before leaving.
The court heard evidence that the girl was sometimes found intoxicated or under the influence of cannabis, in Robinson's company and in a state of undress.
The jury found that Robinson intended to commit a sexual offence with the girl, and he was convicted of meeting a child following grooming, but acquitted of rape and supplying cannabis.
In her victim personal statement, the girl described her life as being "ruined," stating she felt shaken and that her childhood had been taken from her.
Robinson had no previous convictions.
His lawyer, Mark Fireman, argued that Robinson was a 'young 19' with difficulties, including ADHD, which contributed to his behavior.
Fireman explained that Robinson had problems understanding social norms and had started drinking alcohol, perhaps not fully aware of its effects.
The judge, Recorder Michael Hayton QC, emphasised the severe impact of Robinson’s actions, stating: "She will be scarred by your actions for many years to come, perhaps throughout her life.
What you were doing with these young girls was attempting to engage in sexual gratification in the future." He criticized Robinson's manipulation of circumstances, noting that Robinson claimed he was offering friendship and care but was actually plying the girl with alcohol and seeking sexual gratification.
Consequently, Robinson, of Haddon Green, was sentenced to two years in prison, placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years, and required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for the same period.
