NICHOLAS FRANKLIN FROM CHINGFORD ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEX WITH 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN WALTHAM FOREST

 |  Red Rose Database

Chingford Sexual Abuser
In August 2002, a young man named Nicholas Franklin from Chingford narrowly avoided imprisonment after being involved in a sexual encounter with a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place at an address in Chingford on June 18, and Franklin’s actions drew the attention of the authorities when he was brought before Waltham Forest Magistrates Court.

Franklin, aged 19 at the time, admitted to having consensual sex with the minor girl. The court was informed that the girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, had visited Franklin’s home and that the two engaged in sexual activity in his bedroom. The court heard that the girl had called at Franklin’s residence, and during her visit, she consented to the sexual encounter.

Deputy District Judge Miss Sims presided over the case and sentenced Franklin to a period of one year’s rehabilitation and ordered him to complete 60 hours of community service. The sentencing took place on a Tuesday at Waltham Forest Magistrates Court.

Prosecution solicitor Rosmarie Williams provided details of the case, explaining that Franklin, who was studying to become a music technician, had developed a friendly relationship with the girl. She recounted that Franklin and the girl spent time chatting before the sexual activity occurred. Williams emphasized that the girl had acknowledged she had led Franklin on and that she had consented to the sexual act.

It was also revealed that the girl was concerned she might be pregnant, prompting Franklin to accompany her to a doctor’s appointment for a pregnancy test a few days later. The court was told that Franklin’s involvement extended beyond the initial encounter, as he showed a degree of responsibility by accompanying her to the doctor’s office.

Further details emerged when the girl’s mother discovered what had transpired. She went to Franklin’s house, where Franklin admitted to the incident. The court heard that Franklin believed the girl was approximately 15 years old, as she appeared emotionally mature, and he thought she was older than her actual age.

Defence solicitor highlighted that the girl had gone to Franklin’s house uninvited and that Franklin’s actions were influenced by the mistaken belief that she was older. The solicitor acknowledged that Franklin accepted he should have behaved more responsibly and described the situation as one where a friendship had unfortunately led to an offence.

In her sentencing remarks, Miss Sims emphasized that age and who initiated the contact did not absolve Franklin of responsibility. She stated, “It makes no difference whether the girl was 13 or 15 and she instigated it, you are responsible for your actions. Going to the doctor’s with her showed some degree of responsibility.”

As part of the court’s decision, Franklin was ordered to pay costs amounting to £40. The case underscored the serious legal and moral implications of engaging in sexual activity with minors, even when consent appears to be present, especially when the offender is aware of the girl’s young age.
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