PETER GRANT BOURNEMOUTH PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Bournemouth community, Peter Grant, aged 37, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after admitting to multiple serious sexual offenses involving a 14-year-old girl. The court proceedings revealed a troubling pattern of predatory behavior that began shortly after Grant proposed marriage to his partner, a proposal that was accepted just days before the abuse started.

According to the evidence presented at Bournemouth Crown Court, the illicit relationship between Grant and the young girl commenced in December of the previous year. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, confided in Grant that she had developed a crush on him. This confession led Grant to give her a mobile phone, and the two began exchanging text messages, which eventually escalated into inappropriate and illegal encounters.

The court heard that the first sexual offenses occurred merely eight days after Grant’s engagement to his partner. In January, Grant engaged in sexual activity with the girl on two separate occasions. The revelation of his actions caused significant distress within his personal circle, especially when his fiancée discovered what had transpired. She described her reaction to detectives as being “totally shocked and felt physically sick,” highlighting the emotional toll of the betrayal.

Legal proceedings further detailed that the victim was particularly vulnerable, and Grant, a father of two, was fully aware of her age. Despite initially claiming that the girl had forced him into touching her, Grant eventually admitted guilt after police found a letter he had written to her. In the letter, Grant expressed conflicted feelings, stating, “Maybe we are wrong for each other. I never meant to hurt you in any way at all. What we have done is wrong and against the law. I have truly fallen in love with you. Everything I have ever said is true. I have never felt this kind of love before.”

The victim, overwhelmed by the trauma, confided in a friend, which led to the story spreading rapidly through her school, causing widespread distress. During the trial, Grant’s defense highlighted his previous good character and his early guilty plea. It was also noted that he had suffered from bouts of depression, low self-esteem, and had used alcohol and cannabis as coping mechanisms.

Judge Gary Burrell QC, delivering the sentence, emphasized the gravity of Grant’s actions. He stated, “You must have known that what you were doing was wrong and illegal. You allowed this relationship to develop, took advantage of her tender years and immaturity. Prior to this she was a virgin. The offences are so serious only immediate custody is appropriate.”

As part of his sentence, Grant was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was prohibited from being in the company of girls under the age of 16, reflecting the court’s recognition of the ongoing risk posed by his conduct.