April 2021 Paedophile touched young girls A paedophile who sexually touched two girls has avoided going to prison with the judge saying: “Society would be better served with him out of prison” Nicholas Collings, 70, remained in denial of the offending despite entering guilty pleas. Collings, of Berrycombe Road in Bodmin, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence after pleading guilty to four sexual assault charges. Prosecuting the case, Peter Coombe told the court how Collings bought the girls alcohol to groom when they were aged under 16. Mr Coombe went on to describe how the first victim was digitally penetrated by Collings before he moved his hand inside her bra and cupped her breast. Regarding the second victim, Collings slapped her bottom and squeezed her breast. Sitting as judge, Recorder John Trevaskis was told that despite his guilty pleas, Collings denied the offending to The Probation Service saying any touching was accidental. He did later begin to admit what he’d done however. In an impact statement, the first victim said the offences left her “in a bad place” and that she needed counselling. She added that it was going to take her many years to trust men again. The second girl described everything changing and being left with feelings of isolation and loneliness. She said: “He knew I was vulnerable and preyed on that.” Sentencing Collings, Recorder Trevaskis said: “The victims have been left significantly distressed and damaged as the consequence of your behaviour. There is clear evidence they were under the influence at the time and this shows an element of grooming with the supply of alcohol. “You have showed a total absence of remorse but are the primary carer for your partner. “You need to do something to repair the damage you’ve done to your partner and if you went to prison you’d receive no help for your sexual conduct. All that would achieve is an act of vengeance on behalf of the court. “It’s preferable you should be engaged in sex offender treatment.” Collings was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must also complete the sex offenders’ treatment programme and be subject of a five year sexual harm prevention order.