SAM WINDER FROM GREAT CORBY SENTENCED AFTER INCIDENT AT ARMATHWAITE POOL IN CUMBRIA

In June 2011, a serious case involving a man from Great Corby, Cumbria, drew significant attention when he was sentenced for a disturbing incident at a local swimming pool. Sam Daniel Winder, aged 22, was found guilty of inciting a 10-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity during an incident that took place at Armathwaite Pool in August of the previous year.

Winder had initially denied the allegations, claiming that his actions were part of a game with the young girl. However, after a thorough trial at Carlisle Crown Court, the jury convicted him of the crime, leading to a serious legal consequence. The court proceedings revealed the distress caused to the young girl, with prosecutor Greg Hoare emphasizing the traumatic impact of the incident. The girl’s mother reported that her daughter had been suffering from nightmares, insomnia, and various health issues since the event, highlighting the profound emotional toll it had taken on her.

During the hearing, Winder’s defense lawyer, Claire Thomas, who represented him from Kirkley House in Great Corby, expressed her client’s fears about the potential prison sentence. She pointed out that Winder was a young man who had previously worked hard, including earning a position as a ski instructor. Unfortunately, the conviction had effectively ended his career prospects in that field. Thomas also highlighted that Winder was generally well-regarded by his friends and community, stating, “There is a very positive side to this young man’s character. He’s well thought of by a lot of people. Since these allegations and conviction, the majority of his friends have stood by him.”

Despite these character references, Judge Paul Batty QC made it clear that the case was deeply troubling. He acknowledged that Winder had incited the sexual activity but noted that there was no physical contact. The judge detailed the disturbing nature of the incident, explaining that Winder had locked himself in a changing room with the young girl. Despite her evident distress, he had asked her three times to put her hands down his shorts to retrieve a pair of goggles. The girl eventually managed to unlock the door and fled the cubicle in a state of significant distress.

Judge Batty expressed concern over the lasting effects on the young girl, stating, “It has had a considerable effect on that little girl, who feels she can’t now trust men.” He also emphasized the importance of addressing Winder’s personal issues, remarking, “There are serious problems which need to be addressed in your life and the sooner you understand and get on with it the better.”

In light of the circumstances, the judge decided to suspend Winder’s jail sentence for two years. He also imposed a two-year supervision order, a sexual offences prevention order that prohibits him from working with or having unsupervised contact with any children, and ordered that Winder’s name be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of ten years. These measures aim to prevent any future harm and ensure ongoing monitoring of Winder’s conduct in the community.