SAMUEL MANNING FROM EXETER SENTENCED FOR PREGNANCY OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In August 2013, a disturbing case unfolded in Exeter involving Samuel Manning, a 23-year-old barman who was ultimately sentenced to prison for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl, which resulted in her becoming pregnant and needing an abortion.Samuel Manning, who was employed at a local pub in Exeter, had established a connection with the girl through her family.
Over a period of several months, Manning and the young girl maintained secret contact, with Manning arranging clandestine meetings at his residence when his mother was not home.
Despite being in a committed relationship with his girlfriend at the time, Manning engaged in sexual activity with the girl on multiple occasions, reportedly between six and eight times over a span of three months.
The truth about their relationship only surfaced when the girl developed an infection and was taken to hospital for examination.
It was during this medical assessment that doctors discovered she was pregnant.
The girl subsequently underwent an abortion under general anaesthetic.
The emotional toll of the abuse was profound; she became withdrawn, ceasing to socialize with friends, and spent many nights crying alone in her bedroom, overwhelmed by the trauma she had endured.
During the court proceedings, Manning admitted to four counts of sexual activity with a child.
Judge Erik Salomonsen sentenced him to two years and eight months in prison.
As Manning received his sentence, he was seen burying his head in his hands, and security personnel had to intervene to separate his friends from the victim’s family as they left the courtroom.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Salomonsen emphasized the gravity of Manning’s actions.
He stated, “You knew your victim and were close to her and her mother.
You began to text her, grew closer, and eventually engaged in sexual intercourse.
This can be described as a grooming process, considering that at the time you were 22 and she was a virgin of only 14.
You now accept that your conduct was wrong and inappropriate.” The judge further explained that Manning had ended the relationship once he realized how wrong it was, but by that time, the girl was already pregnant due to unprotected sex, which he had failed to prevent.
The pregnancy led to her undergoing an abortion, an experience that left her emotionally distressed.
The judge acknowledged the impact on the girl and her mother, noting that the trauma was natural and not her fault, but also pointed out Manning’s responsibility as the adult who knew better.
Prosecutor Mr.
Nigel Wraith detailed how Manning, who worked at the Exeter pub, had started texting the girl after she had fallen out with her friends at school.
The sexual encounters took place from November of the previous year until January, when Manning ceased contact.
The girl’s mother became aware of rumours about the relationship, but Manning initially denied any involvement until the girl, who had turned 15, was found to be pregnant in February.
The girl then had an abortion in March.
Mr.
Wraith explained that the girl’s mother was shocked to discover her daughter’s pregnancy and identified Manning as the father.
Manning admitted to police that the girl wanted to have sex and lose her virginity to him, but he claimed he stopped the relationship once he realized she was underage and had a partner.
The girl did not provide a victim impact statement, but her mother described her as becoming more withdrawn, going to bed early, and crying in her room, indicating the emotional damage caused by Manning’s actions.
Defence lawyer Mr.
Jason Beal argued that Manning’s conduct was out of character.
He highlighted that Manning was involved in charity work and was actively pursuing a career as a personal trainer through college courses.
Mr.
Beal described the incident as an aberration and a mistake, emphasizing Manning’s efforts to improve himself and suggesting that his actions did not reflect his usual character.
