RICHARD HARRIS EXETER SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR OFFERING MONEY FOR SEX WITH UNDERAGE GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Exeter, Richard Harris, a 28-year-old resident of Union Street, was sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to multiple charges related to attempting to engage in sexual activities with underage girls. The court proceedings revealed that Harris had used social networking platforms such as Bebo to contact young girls, some as young as 12 and 13 years old, with the intent of exchanging money for sex.

Harris's criminal actions came to light when police arrested him last October. During the investigation, authorities seized a computer from his residence that contained 31 pages of contacts, many of which were young girls. Harris admitted to feeling primarily attracted to girls under 16, a detail that added to the severity of his charges. The court was informed that Harris had posed as a 15-year-old at times, despite being a 28-year-old working as an administrator for Norwich Union.

According to court reports, Harris had met the girls through social networking sites and had offered to pay them £500 in exchange for sexual acts. However, it was also established that he never actually met any of his victims in person. The victims, all under the age of 13, were targeted through online interactions, which raised significant concerns about online safety and grooming.

Judge Graham Cottle sentenced Harris to four years in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses. In addition to his imprisonment, Harris was ordered to register as a sex offender and was banned from working with children. The court's decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes involving the exploitation of minors.

Following his conviction, it was confirmed that Harris was no longer a member of the Labour Party. Exeter Labour Party officials, including agent Eddie Lopez based at Clifton Hill, expressed their shock and dismay at the news. Lopez stated, “He is no longer a member of the Labour Party. His membership lapsed. We are all as shocked and horrified by what happened as everyone else.” He further explained that Harris's membership had automatically ended due to his incarceration and that any future rejoining would require him to reapply through the National Executive, not the local branch.

Harris's previous attempts at public office included contesting seats in Exeter during the 2006, 2007, and 2008 local elections. In 2006, he garnered 376 votes in Heavitree, finishing second. In 2007, he ran in the St Thomas ward, and in the following year, he contested the St Leonard’s ward, but he was unsuccessful in all these attempts. His political ambitions have now been overshadowed by his criminal conduct, which has brought shame to his community and the Labour Party alike.