THOMAS BATES AND JAMES PALMER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN LANCASTER AND MORECAMBE

Two men responsible for heinous sexual offenses against a vulnerable 14-year-old girl have been sentenced to prison terms, bringing a measure of justice to the young victim. The disturbing case unfolded over a period of approximately one month, during which the teenage girl endured multiple instances of sexual assault at the hands of the offenders. The severity of the abuse was compounded by a particularly brutal incident in which one of the men, Thomas Bates, inflicted physical harm by burning her with a cigarette.

Thomas Bates, born on August 19, 2003, and residing on Scale Hall Lane in Lancaster, pleaded guilty to a series of serious charges. These included seven counts of sexual activity with a child involving penetration, as well as an additional charge of causing the girl to watch a sexual act by showing her pornography. His actions demonstrated a disturbing pattern of exploitation and manipulation. In a court hearing held at Preston Crown Court on Friday, March 7th, Bates was sentenced to eight years in prison for his crimes.

James Palmer, born on March 31, 1998, and living on Torrisholme Square in Morecambe, also admitted to similar offenses. He pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child involving penetration, along with an assault related to the abuse. Palmer was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison. Both men were not only handed custodial sentences but also subjected to additional legal restrictions. They were both issued sexual harm prevention orders and lifetime restraining orders, designed to protect the victim and prevent any future contact or abuse.

The investigation and subsequent prosecution were led by Detective Constables Lauren Holt and Cheryl Greer, members of the West Child Exploitation Team. Detective Constable Greer expressed her admiration for the victim’s bravery, stating, “First and foremost I would like to commend the bravery of the victim for having the strength to come forward and speak about what happened to her – we would not have been able to secure justice without her courage.”

She further emphasized the disturbing nature of the offenders’ awareness of the girl’s age, noting, “These two men clearly knew their victim was only 14 and yet they continued to sexually abuse her for their own gratification.” Detective Greer concluded by expressing hope that the court’s sentences would encourage other victims of similar abuse to come forward, assuring them that law enforcement would handle their cases with professionalism and sensitivity, and that justice would be pursued relentlessly.