LEE DEFFERARY FROM WHITLEY WOOD JAILED FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH UNDERAGE GIRL IN BASINGSTOKE ROAD HOTEL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Lee Defferary, a 26-year-old man from Whitley Wood, was sentenced to prison after being convicted of engaging in a sexual act with a 14-year-old girl during a family wedding. The incident took place at the Holiday Inn located on Basingstoke Road, a well-known hotel in the Whitley area, on August 21 of the previous year.

According to court reports, Defferary was discovered in a compromising situation inside a ladies’ toilet cubicle when the victim’s father unexpectedly entered the space. He found Defferary intoxicated, with his trousers unzipped, and the young girl on the premises. The father’s intervention was pivotal in bringing the incident to light, leading to immediate police involvement.

Staff members at the Holiday Inn responded swiftly to the disturbance, and security personnel, including officer Suleyman Inal, were called to the scene. During the confrontation, Defferary became aggressive, resorting to punching and hurling racial abuse at the security officer. The situation escalated further when Defferary exited the hotel premises, entered a vehicle, and attempted to drive towards the hotel reception area despite being under the influence of alcohol. The police later found him in possession of a quantity of cannabis, adding to the charges against him.

Defferary was taken into custody, and during police interviews, he claimed to have no memory of the events. However, he later admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a minor, as well as racially aggravated assault and possession of a Class B drug. He denied charges of rape and sexual activity with a child, but the Crown accepted his plea on the other counts, and the case proceeded accordingly.

It was revealed during the court proceedings that Defferary had a history of substance abuse, including cocaine and heroin addiction. Despite his troubled background, he had no prior convictions related to sexual offences. The judge, Richard Parkes, acknowledged the seriousness of the offences, describing them as “appalling,” but also noted Defferary’s early guilty plea and lack of predatory intent. The judge emphasized that the young girl had been fascinated by Defferary but suffered significant emotional distress following the incident, even though she had initially consented.

Judge Parkes also commented on Defferary’s conduct during the incident, particularly his assault on security officer Suleyman Inal, which he described as “out of character.” The defendant’s employer, an Asian business owner, testified that Defferary was generally regarded as “an honourable person,” which the judge took into account.

In sentencing, Defferary was ordered to serve two years and six months in prison for the sexual activity with a minor, with an additional four months for racially aggravated assault. These sentences are to be served consecutively. The court did not impose a separate penalty for cannabis possession but mandated that Defferary register as a sex offender for ten years. Furthermore, he was banned from driving for 18 months and required to retake his driving test before regaining his license.

Overall, the case highlights the disturbing nature of the offences committed by Defferary, as well as the legal consequences he now faces. The incident has left a lasting impact on the victim and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding minors and maintaining public safety in the Whitley Wood community.