NEIL AMESS FROM SPALDING SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST TWO 15-YEAR-OLDS IN LINCOLN

In November 2018, Neil Amess, a man from Spalding, was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offences involving two teenage girls, both aged 15. The court heard that Amess, who was 33 at the time of the offences, engaged in a pattern of manipulative and predatory behavior that posed a significant risk to young girls.

The case was brought to light after one of the victims confided in a teacher at her school about the inappropriate conduct. Following this disclosure, authorities intervened, leading to Amess's arrest. During police interviews, Amess initially denied any sexual contact with the girls, despite evidence to the contrary. When confronted with explicit messages exchanged between him and the victims, he eventually admitted to the misconduct.

According to the prosecution, Kath Goddard, the defendant had initially met the two girls through a woman he had been messaging. Although this woman later moved away from the area, Amess continued to maintain contact with the teenagers. Over a period of weeks, he engaged in increasingly inappropriate communication, sending sexually explicit messages and suggesting the possibility of a threesome involving the two girls. The messages made it clear that Amess was aware of their age, yet he persisted in pursuing a sexual relationship.

Amess would take the girls for drives in his car, often returning to his flat in Spalding. During these visits, he provided alcohol to the underage girls, which led to them becoming intoxicated. His behavior grew bolder over time, culminating in him having unprotected sex with one of the victims at his residence. The court was told that this act was part of a pattern of grooming and exploitation.

The court heard that the offences took place during August 2017. The judge, Recorder Gareth Evans QC, described Amess as a controlling and corrupting influence on the girls, emphasizing that his actions were solely aimed at sexual gratification. The judge stated, “I take the view that you are attracted to very young girls. You are a controlling and corrupting influence on young girls. These two girls were set up by you. They were plied with alcohol. They were there for one purpose only and that was sex. I have no doubt that you pose a risk to young girls.”

In addition to the five-year prison sentence, Amess was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. The court also imposed an extended licence, which could see him returned to prison for an additional five years after his initial sentence if he breaches any conditions.

Prior to sentencing, Judge Simon Hirst had warned Amess that he faced a significant prison term, emphasizing the gravity of his offences and the danger he posed to minors. The judge allowed Amess to remain on bail temporarily to arrange his affairs before the final sentencing. The case underscores the serious consequences of grooming and exploiting vulnerable minors, and highlights the importance of vigilance and swift legal action in protecting young people from predators.