KIERAN EARP FROM SHIRLEY SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN SHIRLEY PARK

A young man from Hall Green, identified as Kieran Earp, has been sentenced following serious sexual offenses committed in Shirley Park. The 20-year-old, residing on Kateswell Road, appeared before Warwick Crown Court to face charges related to the assault of two young girls. The court heard that Earp had already spent eight months in custody prior to sentencing, which was taken into account during the proceedings.

According to the prosecution, on the evening of September 17 of the previous year, two girls aged 14 and 16 were spending time in Shirley Park. During their visit, they encountered a group of youths, among whom was Earp. The older girl decided to leave the park around 7 pm, and Earp approached her, asking if he could accompany her home. She declined his request, but Earp persisted and walked with her for a short distance. The situation escalated when he pulled her into a set of disused changing rooms, where he proceeded to kiss her. Despite her protests, explaining she had a boyfriend, Earp pushed her to the ground, straddled her, and undid her trousers along with his own jeans.

The girl, distressed and crying, told him to get off, and she managed to escape from the changing rooms. Later that evening, she became hysterical and confided in her mother about the incident. She also revealed that approximately ten days earlier, Earp had touched the leg of the younger girl. Her mother subsequently contacted the police, prompting an investigation.

The younger girl recounted that she was in the park when Earp took her to the tennis courts. She told him she was only 14, but he nonetheless put her on the grass, pulled down her trousers slightly, and touched her between the legs over her clothing. Earp was arrested the following day after the girls provided their statements. During police interviews, he claimed that the 16-year-old girl had been intoxicated and that they had kissed, which she had reciprocated. He also stated that he attempted to undo her jeans but claimed she refused because she had a boyfriend, after which he left the scene.

Defense lawyer Lawrence Watts argued that Earp's developmental age was approximately five years below his actual age, which he suggested should be considered when evaluating his actions. He also highlighted that Earp had served eight months in custody on remand, which had a significant impact on him.

Judge Marten Coates acknowledged the potential for Earp to pose a future danger but emphasized that participation in a sex offender treatment program could mitigate this risk. The judge described Earp's conduct as 'grossly inappropriate and grossly offensive,' and ultimately, he was sentenced to a community order with three years of supervision. Earp was also mandated to participate in a sex offender treatment program and was ordered to register as a sex offender, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the court's efforts to prevent future harm.