CUMBRIAN MAN PAUL BIRKS SENTENCED IN MARYPORT FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEEN GIRL

In August 2009, Paul Birks, a 22-year-old resident of Victory Crescent, Maryport, was sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl after unlawfully entering her home. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for a duration of ten years and received an indefinite ban from working with children or having unsupervised contact with girls under 16.

Birks pleaded guilty in Carlisle Crown Court to a charge of sexually touching the girl without her consent. Prosecutor Kathryn Johnson revealed that Birks had told a friend beforehand that he planned to see the girl "for a ride." Subsequently, he phoned her to confirm she was alone and then went to her house.

When the girl refused his attempt to kiss her, Birks picked her up and carried her into the kitchen, where he committed the assault. Ms. Johnson explained, "He told her he had come to see her because he wanted to have sex with her." The court heard that Birks only left after the girl, feeling traumatised, managed to text a male friend to seek help.

Later that evening, Birks was arrested in bed at his home. In an effort to destroy potential forensic evidence, he had washed himself and his clothing. The court also heard that the victim currently feels unsafe at her home and is concerned that some members of her community may unjustly blame her for Birks's appearance in court.

Defence solicitor Ian Dixon expressed that Birks wished to apologise, stating, "He expresses disgust at the way he behaved." Judge Paul Batty QC pointed out that the offence was especially serious because it appeared to be premeditated.

It was noted that Birks had recently moved from Victory Crescent to another address within Maryport.