CUMBRIAN MAN ROHAN SKELTON, 26, ADMITTED TO SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL NEAR PENRITH

In December 2012, a 26-year-old man from Cumbria, Rohan Priyantha Skelton of Kirkby Thore near Penrith, was sentenced to be placed on the sex offenders’ register after pleading guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl. Carlisle Crown Court was told that Skelton picked the girl up from a bus stop and that she consented to all his actions, even sending him two photographs of herself topless. Nevertheless, Judge Paul Batty QC highlighted the importance of protecting young girls, stating, “Girls have to be protected – often from themselves. Although it is plain that this girl was consenting to all that occurred, she was only 14 years of age – she was a schoolgirl – and you perfectly well knew that.” Skelton admitted to two charges of sexual activity with the girl, as well as grooming her sexually, and possessing two indecent topless photographs of her. A third charge related to sexual activity was left unresolved on the court’s file. Prosecuting counsel Kim Whittlestone explained that the girl became acquainted with Skelton after her friends encouraged her to add him as a Facebook friend. She noted the relationship quickly progressed to discussions involving sexual topics, despite the girl stating early on that she was only 14 and still at school. Skelton initially claimed he was 18 but later said he was 23. Ms. Whittlestone detailed that the pair continued to discuss sexual matters—such as her past experiences and what they both wanted to do with each other. In May, Skelton picked her up from school and took her to his home, where they kissed and touched. On another occasion, he collected her from a bus stop and had sex with her at his residence. When Skelton requested a photograph, the girl sent him two images she had previously taken, both topless, which she did willingly, according to the court. Skelton was granted bail, subject to conditions including no further contact with the girl, and will be sentenced on January 31. Judge Batty described the case as “difficult and serious,” indicating that prison sentence cannot be ruled out.