August 2011 Dad admits having sex with schoolgirl FATHER-OF-TWO Simon Grand has been jailed after he had sex with a schoolgirl. The 22-year-old had consensual sex with the teenager while his partner was pregnant, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard yesterday. Prosecutor Benjamin Close said that in his police interview, Grand admitted having sex with the girl and accepted he knew her age. Grand told officers the sex was consensual. He added that he did not use protection during the intercourse. Grand, of Beasley Avenue, Chesterton, pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child. Robin Lichfield, mitigating, said Grand had a difficult childhood. He said the defendant, who has no previous convictions, lives with his girlfriend and their two children. He said there was no suggestion the offence was premeditated. Mr Lichfield added: “He is aware it crosses the custody threshold. I ask you to keep any sentence to a minimum.” Judge Paul Glenn jailed Grand for two years. The defendant will also be on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and will be barred from a range of activities involving children. The judge told Grand: “What occurred was consensual. “On your account to the police she was enthusiastic and instigated matters.” Judge Glenn acknowledged Grand has his own problems. “I accept you are immature and your knowledge of sex may be basic,” he said. “The fact is you have two children and your girlfriend would have been pregnant when this offence took place.” The court heard the sentencing guidelines for this offence suggest a custodial term of four years. But Judge Glenn said: “I think that is too high in this case. It was a single offence, it was spontaneous, you caused no physical harm, I am not told of the psychological effect, the age gap was not great and no doubt your immaturity is pronounced. “Nevertheless it is so serious only custody is appropriate.” Grand will serve up to half the sentence with the rest on licence.