March 2012 Wirral youth jailed for having sex with 13-year-old girl A Wirral youth who had sex with an under-age girl has been jailed for 19 months. Scott Hearnden admitted sexual activity with the 13-year-old on the basis he had thought she was 15 or 16, but had been “reckless” about her age. Sentencing 19-year-old Hearnden to detention, Judge David Aubrey, QC, said the law existed not only to protect young girls from older men but to protect them from themselves. “The offence is so serious that only a custodial sentence is justified,” he said. Judge Aubrey pointed out that Hearnden had denied the offence when interviewed by police and had only changed his plea shortly before his trial was due to begin. He ordered him to sign the Sexual Offenders Register for ten years. Hearnden, who lives in Leasowe, pleaded guilty to sexual activity with the girl in January of last year. Clare Jones, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court that Hearnden, who was then just 18, and the girl had got into contact via Facebook. They met and on one occasion had consensual intercourse. The incident came to light after the girl asked her school nurse for a pregnancy kit. Her mother became involved and she contacted police. Paul Wood, defending, said Hearnden, who has no previous convictions, is well thought of by his family and girlfriend, who are all still supporting him. “He realised the possibility that something sexual might happen but puts it no higher than that. He believed she was around 15 or 16. “He was clearly reckless as to her age and should have addressed that issue. “He appreciates his actions were improper and criminal,” said Mr Wood