BLACKPOOL MAN KIERRON SUMNER FACES SUSPENDED SENTENCE AFTER SEXUAL OFFENSES IN DERBYSHIRE
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Kierron Sumner, a resident of Blackpool, was brought before Derby Crown Court to face serious allegations related to his inappropriate conduct involving a minor.The incident dates back to the summer of 2016, when the victim, a teenage girl whose identity is protected by law, was just in her early teens.
According to court proceedings, Sumner, who was 19 at the time, had initially engaged with the girl through social media platforms.
He was working as a market stall trader at a well-known local market in Blackpool when their online interactions began.
It was during this period that he encouraged her to send him explicit images, which she did.
The relationship between the two developed further, with online sexual conversations taking place, and eventually, Sumner traveled from Blackpool to Derbyshire to meet her in person.
During their face-to-face meeting, the pair engaged in sexual activity, an act that has now been classified as a serious criminal offense due to the girl’s age.
Despite knowing that she was under the age of consent, Sumner believed he could evade detection and consequences.
His actions demonstrated a reckless disregard for the law and the well-being of the young girl involved.
Following the end of their brief relationship, Sumner’s conduct took a malicious turn.
He threatened to distribute indecent images of the girl over social media, a move that caused her significant distress.
The girl, feeling threatened and unsafe, reported the threats to the police.
Prosecutor Mary Bray emphasized that Sumner’s reaction was a clear attempt to intimidate and bully her, stating, “The defendant’s reaction to the relationship ending was to threaten to distribute the images she had sent to him on social media.
He accepts he had bullied her in that way and that it was disgusting.
He said he wanted her to feel as upset as he was.” In police interviews, Sumner admitted to knowing that the girl was in her early teens and was underage at the time of their interactions.
He further confessed that he believed he could get away with his actions, a statement that underscores the severity of his misconduct.
The court was told that the offenses occurred while the girl was on a family holiday in Blackpool, a popular seaside resort known for its vibrant attractions and bustling nightlife.
Sumner was arrested in October following an investigation into the allegations.
He faced multiple charges, including four counts of sexual activity with a child.
During the court hearing, he pleaded guilty to all charges.
His legal representative, Guy Mathieson, highlighted that Sumner had no previous convictions and expressed concern about the lasting impact of the conviction, stating, “He will now have to suffer the undoubted shame and stigma of being convicted of a sex offence.” Judge Robert Egbuna sentenced Sumner to eight months in prison, but the term was suspended for 12 months, allowing him to avoid immediate incarceration.
Additionally, the court imposed a three-month curfew, requiring Sumner to remain at his home address between 9 pm and 7 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding minors and the serious consequences faced by those who exploit their vulnerabilities.
