DARLINGTON MAN STEVEN HARKER ESCAPES JAIL AFTER GROOMING TEENAGE GIRL
In April 2013, Steven Harker, a man from Darlington, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being convicted of grooming a 14-year-old girl for sexual activity.The case revealed disturbing details about Harker's inappropriate conduct and the circumstances surrounding his interactions with the underage girl.
According to court reports, Harker, then 25 years old and residing on Severn Way in Darlington, engaged in a series of online communications with the young girl via Facebook.
These messages, which initially appeared innocent, gradually became more explicit as the conversations progressed.
The exchanges typically ended late at night and resumed early the following morning, during which Harker made explicit remarks, including a statement promising to teach her how to perform in the bedroom.
The court heard that Harker met the girl in person while out drinking in Darlington town centre.
It was acknowledged that he was aware she was still a schoolgirl at the time of their meeting.
Prosecutor Aisha Wadoodi emphasized that the case was one of grooming, highlighting that the girl had disclosed her age in the messages, yet Harker persisted in his advances.
The prosecution argued that his efforts to communicate and meet with her were deliberate and persistent, indicating a clear pattern of grooming behavior.
During the trial at Teesside Crown Court, the defense, represented by Mark Styles, argued for leniency, suggesting that Harker should receive a suspended sentence.
He pointed out that Harker had admitted to the offense, had no prior convictions, and was gainfully employed.
The defense also claimed that the girl had contributed to the situation by pushing boundaries herself, having met Harker while underage and responding to inappropriate messages.
Styles stated, “He has always had gainful employment, and we submit that he is the sort of man unlikely to come before the court again.” He further explained that Harker’s involvement was a mistake driven by the girl’s actions, including her drinking and responding to inappropriate messages.
The defense acknowledged that Harker was ashamed of his conduct and expressed remorse, stating, “He feels he has let himself down, and his family, in the way he pushed things and developed things, and he has had to carry the consequences for that.” Judge John Walford sentenced Harker to nine months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, with conditions including supervision and participation in a sex offender treatment program.
Harker was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years.
The judge emphasized the importance of protecting young girls from predatory behavior and from themselves, noting that girls at that age are often ill-equipped to handle the emotional consequences of such encounters.
In a related hearing in February 2013, Harker faced additional charges of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
He admitted to the charges and was scheduled for sentencing at Teesside Crown Court.
Judge Walford granted him bail but warned that prison remained a possibility, underscoring the seriousness of his actions and the potential consequences he faced in the near future.
