ROSS LANCASTER SHOCKS CLEETHORPES WITH DISTURBING SEX OFFENSE AT GRIMSBY CROWN COURT

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Cleethorpes, Ross Lancaster, aged 34, was found guilty of heinous misconduct involving a young girl and was subsequently sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court. The incident, which took place on May 12, has been described by the court as a deeply disturbing breach of trust and morality.

According to court proceedings, Lancaster was accused of showing explicit adult material to a girl under the age of 13. The prosecution argued that Lancaster deliberately exposed the young girl to images of sexual activity on his mobile phone. Lancaster, who resides on College Street in Cleethorpes, denied the charges, claiming that he had only left the girl watching her favorite children's cartoon, Monster High, on his device. He insisted that he returned to find her viewing adult content, but maintained that he did not intentionally show her such material.

During the trial, Lancaster maintained his innocence, asserting that he had merely downloaded the children's film to entertain the girl and had left his phone with her. He claimed that he checked back later, believing the film had finished, only to discover her looking at pornography. Lancaster stated that he then took the phone away from her, suggesting that he was unaware of the explicit content on the device. However, the young girl provided a contrasting account, alleging that Lancaster had actively shown her the pornography and even instructed her on how to access it. She also claimed that Lancaster made her aware of what she was watching.

The court heard disturbing details about Lancaster's behavior, including allegations that he either engaged in a sexual act in front of the girl or simulated one through thrusting or gyrating movements. These actions, if proven, constitute serious sexual misconduct and have been described as 'disgusting' by the presiding judge.

After a jury trial, Lancaster was convicted on all counts. The jury reached a unanimous verdict on the charge of causing a child under 13 to view sexual images, and a majority verdict of 11 to 1 on the charge of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of the girl. The judge, Mark Bury, sentenced Lancaster to two years and three months in prison. Additionally, Lancaster is required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years and is subject to a five-year restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim.

Judge Bury addressed Lancaster directly, stating, 'This offending is disgusting and it’s had significant consequences, and, for those consequences, you must pay the penalty.' The case has left the community of Cleethorpes grappling with the severity of the misconduct and the impact on the young girl involved.