ROGER PANESAR SENTENCED IN SITTINGBOURNE FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL

In August 2013, a man from Sittingbourne, Roger Panesar, was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a young girl. The case drew significant attention due to Panesar's claims that the girl had initiated the encounters, asserting that she was sexually active and that her actions had aroused him.

Panesar, a father of two, resided at The Parade, Northwood Drive, Sittingbourne. During police interviews, he maintained that the teenage girl had given him the 'come on' and that their sexual relationship was initiated by her. He argued that her behavior and apparent sexual activity at the time contributed to his actions.

However, the court heard that the girl herself told police she had gone along with the sexual encounters because she believed it was 'normal' and that she enjoyed the experience. The girl’s account indicated that she initially resisted Panesar’s advances, telling him she was not interested when he attempted to kiss and hug her. Nonetheless, she later remained silent when he began to kiss her again, and on at least ten occasions, sexual activity took place between them.

Prosecutor Gary Pons detailed that the girl had resisted at first but eventually went along with the acts, which included Panesar removing her clothes. The girl explained that she thought the encounters were normal and that she enjoyed them, which she conveyed during her police interview.

Panesar admitted to having sexual intercourse with the girl at the time of his arrest but claimed that she had 'come on to him.' He insisted that she had instigated the sexual acts and that she was sexually active and capable of arousing him. The defendant also claimed that their relationship was a secret and denied any threats, although the girl had alleged that Panesar had threatened to punch her if she ever told anyone about what was happening.

During the trial, the court was informed that Panesar had engaged in at least ten sexual encounters with the girl between December 2010 and March 2011. The prosecution highlighted that Panesar’s behavior was a gross failure of judgment, despite his claims of consensual conduct.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Charles Macdonald QC emphasized that the law exists to protect young victims from inappropriate relationships, regardless of their apparent consent. He stated, 'There is but one thin point (of mitigation) and that is she did not ultimately withhold any consent. But the law is there to protect young girls who make that decision and so it is hardly any mitigation at all.'

As part of his punishment, Panesar was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order. This order includes a prohibition on any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the need to prevent any future harm.