LAYTON MURLEY FROM ST ERME SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL NEAR TRURO

In October 2017, a disturbing case unfolded involving Layton Murley, an 18-year-old resident of St Erme near Truro, who engaged in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl and subsequently used threats to silence her. The incident came to light when Murley, now 20, appeared at Truro Crown Court to face sentencing after pleading guilty to a charge of sexual activity with a minor, just before his trial was scheduled to commence.

According to court records, the relationship between Murley and the young girl began through online communication when she was approximately 13 or 14 years old. Their interactions escalated over time, culminating in a face-to-face meeting at Murley's family home in St Erme. On the day of the incident, the girl traveled from her home, taking a train to Truro and then a bus to St Erme, where Murley was waiting. She arrived while his parents were away, and Murley greeted her dressed in a suit and tie, appearing composed and formal.

The court heard that prior to the meeting, Murley and the girl had exchanged messages online, and they had met once before, where they only shared a hug and a kiss. On April 2 of the previous year, Murley instructed the girl on how to reach his house. When she arrived, he told her that his parents were out and suggested they go upstairs. Despite her reservations and feelings that she was too young for sex, Murley sat on his bed, removed his tracksuit bottoms, and produced a condom.

Although the girl initially refused several advances, she eventually relented. During the sexual encounter, she asked Murley to stop, but he continued regardless. He ejaculated into a condom, and the girl was left with bruising on her thighs and bleeding. Instead of offering comfort or support, Murley’s immediate reaction was to attempt to clean up and prevent any evidence from staining the bed.

Following the incident, the girl messaged her friends on Snapchat, revealing that she had 'lost her V card.' She then went into town with Murley's friends, attempting to push the traumatic experience to the back of her mind. Communication between her and Murley persisted until he told her he could no longer talk to her. Subsequently, he unblocked her and threatened to send explicit images of her to her mother, a move that caused her significant distress.

Eventually, the girl confided in her mother, who confronted Murley via text message. Murley apologized for his actions, but the damage was done. The girl’s mental health deteriorated; she suffered prolonged bleeding, difficulty eating and sleeping, and began blaming herself for what had happened. Her personality changed dramatically, transforming from an outgoing, bubbly teenager into a withdrawn and introverted individual.

Police investigations revealed further disturbing details. During a search of Murley's room, officers discovered a T-shirt with the victim’s bloodstains hidden away. Murley claimed he believed she was 16 or 17 and insisted that she had initiated the encounter. However, evidence from his computer showed that he had liked pictures of her in her school uniform, indicating a prior awareness of her age.

In court, Murley was sentenced to two years in a young offenders’ institution, with half of the sentence to be served behind bars. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender. The case highlights the serious consequences of exploiting minors and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young individuals from predatory behavior.