TOMAS SPEED FROM AXMINSTER SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND RAPE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In August 2012, a disturbing case unfolded involving Tomas Speed, a 19-year-old resident of Kirby Close in Axminster, Devon, who was convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl. The court heard that Speed, who described himself as a 'loner,' had engaged in a calculated grooming process with a 12-year-old girl through social media platform Facebook. Over a period of time, he built a deceptive relationship with her by discussing personal issues such as break-ups and bereavements, which appeared to be the initial topics of their conversations.

According to court records, Speed's interactions with the girl began in the summer of the previous year. It was revealed that within a short span, their online exchanges shifted towards sexual content, with Speed asking the girl how far she was willing to go. The court described this as a clear element of grooming, as Speed was aware of her young age but continued to pursue a sexual relationship.

Two months after their initial online contact, the pair met in person at Speed’s family home in Axminster. During this meeting, they engaged in sexual activity, which both parties claimed was consensual. However, because the girl was under 13, the law automatically deemed her incapable of giving legal consent, leading to Speed’s conviction for rape. The court also heard that during subsequent meetings, Speed used his mobile phone to record videos of sexual acts involving the girl.

Further investigation was prompted when the girl’s mother discovered sexually explicit images on her daughter’s phone. This discovery led to Speed’s arrest. During police interviews, Speed admitted to being a 'loner' and provided full and frank admissions about his actions. The police reports indicated that Speed’s mental health was a concern; he was described by mental health professionals as 'naive and immature.'

Defense lawyer Sarah Hornblower argued that Speed’s naivety and immaturity played a significant role in the incident. She explained that Speed believed the girl was very mature for her age and that their initial conversations were based on shared experiences of family break-ups and bereavements. The lawyer also highlighted that Speed had a troubled background, including a poor relationship with his mother and the death of his father when he was 14. His father’s death, coupled with the loss of his step-father from cancer in May of the previous year, led Speed to become increasingly reclusive.

Ms. Hornblower emphasized that Speed sought comfort from someone he met on Facebook and that his actions were driven by vulnerability and immaturity. The court ultimately sentenced Speed to two years in a young offenders’ institution for his crimes.

Outside the court, a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police commented on the case, stating that the sentence was 'fair on both parties,' reflecting the seriousness of the offenses committed by Tomas Speed in Axminster, Devon.