PHILIP GAINFORD SENTENCED IN HARTLEPOOL FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRL
In a case that has shocked the Hartlepool community, Philip Gainford was sentenced to over three years in prison for engaging in illegal sexual activities with a minor.The incident, which took place in November 2016, involved a young girl who became infatuated with Gainford, leading to a series of disturbing encounters and communications.
Gainford, a 30-year-old man from Troutpool Close in Hartlepool, first met the underage girl on a local beach.
Their initial meeting was followed by a sexual encounter, during which the girl sent him 291 photographs of herself, some of which were of a highly explicit nature.
The court heard that Gainford had listed her phone number under the affectionate nickname “my princess,” indicating a level of emotional attachment that was deeply inappropriate given her age.
Despite facing legal consequences after his first conviction, Gainford continued to maintain contact with the girl.
He used the online alias “iamsoevil” and exchanged hundreds of messages with her, as revealed during the court proceedings.
The prosecutor, Harry Hadfield, stated that the pair repeatedly met after their initial encounter, engaging in further sexual activities.
This pattern of behavior persisted even after Gainford was given a suspended prison sentence and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order in October of the previous year, which was meant to prohibit any contact with the girl.
It was only when a public protection officer conducted a routine visit to Gainford’s residence that the full extent of his misconduct was uncovered.
During the investigation, Gainford admitted to multiple charges, including two counts of sexual activity with a child, four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of breaching the sexual harm prevention order, and possession of indecent photographs of children.
Judge Sean Morris addressed Gainford directly during the sentencing, stating, “If I’d been dealing with an average individual I would have thrown the book at you, and hard.
As it is, I have to pass an immediate custodial sentence because that I think is the only way you’re going to learn.
I do not consider you a danger to young women.
Should you ever commit any form of sexual offence against any girl in the future, you will be regarded as dangerous and could be looking at a life sentence.” Gainford was consequently sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, marking a significant legal consequence for his actions and a warning to others about the seriousness of such offences in the Hartlepool area.
