SCOTT BALL FROM FORMBY SENTENCED TO 32 MONTHS FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN LIVERPOOL
A man from Formby, Scott Ball, has been sentenced to 32 months in prison after being convicted of having sex with a 15-year-old girl he met through Facebook.The victim, who was still at school, was ten years younger than Ball, and he was aware of her age.
Despite her mother’s discovery of their conversations during a Facebook check and her warning that she would contact the police, Ball continued to pursue a relationship with her.
His crime was uncovered because he worked for Merseyrail, which required him to wear a body camera.
During routine maintenance of six months’ worth of audio and video recordings, recorded conversations revealed him discussing the incident with colleagues.
He also engaged in a graphic exchange with a former partner about the potential consequences of his actions, which prompted her to record the conversation out of concern.
Ball, now 27 and residing on Langton Drive, denied charges of sexual activity with a child and meeting a child following sexual grooming.
However, after the victim’s testimony was played in court, he admitted to the more serious charge of sexual activity, leading to the other charges being dropped.
Judge Norman Wright, sentencing him and ordering him to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, noted that the offense occurred in February last year when Ball was 25 and the girl was 15.
The judge acknowledged that the girl may have initiated the sexual activity out of infatuation and being overwhelmed by Ball’s attention, but emphasized that Ball, as an adult, was responsible, and the girl was a child.
Prosecutor Ben Jones told Liverpool Crown Court that the couple met online via Facebook, both aware of each other’s ages, and that she was wearing her school uniform at their meeting.
Her mother discovered messages in which Ball attempted to impress her with offers of high-end meals, took her to a log cabin, called her sexy, and claimed to love her.
There were also disturbing messages about her appearance and a reference to pleasuring himself while looking at her pictures.
The mother prohibited her daughter from further contact and warned Ball he would be reported to the police if he continued to contact her.
Nevertheless, on February 3 last year, the girl contacted him using a friend's phone, and they arranged to meet.
Mr.
Jones explained, "She was taken to a relatively secluded area where he claimed to have bought a flat, and they had sexual relations in a car park near those flats." When the girl returned home, her mother recognized what had happened and contacted the police, which led to Ball’s arrest.
He denied any sexual contact, and in his defense, he attempted to discredit the girl’s character, claiming she was infatuated and trying to lead him on.
In a victim impact statement, the girl expressed her regret, stating that she had been infatuated with an older, handsome man but now realizes she was manipulated.
Ball’s lawyer, Shila Whitehead, who has no prior convictions, described him as immature, affecting his judgment.
Since the offense, he lost his £28,000-a-year job and has been unemployed but intends to work as a self-employed painter and decorator after completing a training course.
The judge also issued a five-year restraining order preventing Ball from contacting the girl.
Deputy Inspector Steve Christian commented, "Ball is a sexual predator, and this conviction demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who prey on vulnerable members of our community.
We hope this sentence sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated." For those with information or wanting to report offences, the police advise calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
