June 2015 “Sexual predator” (47) jailed after grooming schoolgirl for sex A road worker who had sex with a schoolgirl in his van and in remote woodland was jailed for four-and-a-half years. Judge Simon Hammond said Owen James Hanton was “a sexual predator” and the courts had a duty to protect young girls from people like him. Leicester Crown Court was told that Hanton, 47, who worked all over the country on the roads, met the girl in Leicester and groomed her. On three occasions they had sexual intercourse in his van, parked near a supermarket in the city, when she was aged 15. Alan Murphy, prosecuting, said on another occasion he took her to Swithland Woods, where she performed a sex act upon him. A relative of the victim found out and reported him to the police. Evidence of the encounters, which also included “naked cuddles” was found in text messages on his mobile phone. Hanton, of King Edward Street, Barmouth, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity with the girl. Mr Murphy said on occasions the defendant encouraged the victim to drink alcohol. He said the schoolgirl quickly ended her association with Hanton, and was left in a state of “confusion.” He added: “The defendant badgered her with messages and tried to coerce her into seeing him again, even if it was just on the basis of casual sex. “The messages to her demonstrate he was manipulative and at times rather unpleasant. “He suggests she’s going to get a bad reputation when she makes it clear she doesn’t want him.” Hanton then became insulting towards her. Mr Murphy said: “She was completely out of her depth and he took advantage of her vulnerability.” “It affected her school work and left her feeling nervous.” Judge Hammond said: “The law is also to protect impressionable young girls from themselves. “The defendant was the adult and she was the child and she was forbidden fruit. “His guilty plea means she’s been spared the ordeal of giving evidence in court.” Dafydd Roberts, mitigating, said: “The offences took place over a relatively short time and sexual activity was on a few occasions. “He has no previous convictions and knows it’s immediate custody. “He has a good work ethic and has been a road worker throughout his adult life and has always provided for his family.” Hanton was placed on a restraining order banning contact with the girl and his future addresses will be on a sex offender register.