SCOTT LOAKES FROM RUSHDEN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN NORTHAMPTON

In March 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Scott Loakes, a 27-year-old resident of Hove Road, Rushden, who was found guilty of multiple child sex offences. The case was heard at Northampton Crown Court, where the court was informed that Loakes had engaged in inappropriate and illegal conduct towards a young girl, with the incidents occurring last year.

Loakes admitted to four separate charges related to child sexual offences. These included two counts of sexual activity with a child, one charge of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and another of sexual communication with a minor under the age of 16. Despite his admissions, Loakes denied that there was any sexual element involved in the messages he sent to the girl, claiming during his interview with a probation officer that his intentions were to boost her self-esteem.

The court heard that the offences took place over a period last year, with at least one incident involving inappropriate physical contact. Prosecutor Matthew Rowcliffe described the impact on the young victim, stating, “It made her feel scared and a bit sick.” The girl, who was under 16 at the time, was subjected to messages from Loakes in which he called her beautiful, asked her to send pictures of herself, and encouraged her to perform a sex act. When questioned about these messages, Loakes admitted to sending them but insisted they were not for sexual gratification. However, the court found his explanations unconvincing, as Mr. Rowcliffe noted, “He struggles to give any convincing answer when the sexual messages are put to him.”

Furthermore, the court was presented with a victim impact statement from the young girl, revealing that she had been experiencing significant emotional distress. She reported feeling scared and unable to sleep properly, with nightmares occurring almost every night. The psychological toll of the offences was evident, and the court acknowledged the serious harm caused.

In sentencing, Her Honour Judge Rebecca Crane emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and public safety. Loakes was spared immediate imprisonment but was ordered to complete a three-year community order, which includes participation in a sex offender treatment programme and other rehabilitation activities. Additionally, Loakes will be placed on the sex offender register for five years and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration. This order restricts his contact with children and prohibits him from working with vulnerable children and adults.

Prior to the sentencing, Loakes appeared in court in January 2021, where he admitted to the charges and was granted conditional bail until March 1, pending the completion of a pre-sentence report by the probation team. The court also mandated that he comply with sex offender notification requirements starting immediately. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to address and prevent child sexual exploitation and abuse within the Rushden community and beyond.