March 2010

Bristol man abused youngster

A machine operator from Bristol who sexually abused a youngster has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Paul Worgan touched the girl, who is under 15, improperly and got her to strip, Bristol Crown Court heard.

The 46-year-old, of Bedminster Down, pleaded guilty to sexual assault by penetration and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Judge Michael Longman told him: “The effect on her will no doubt be long lasting and incalculable.”

The judge handed Worgan a sexual offences prevention order, designed to keep him away from youngsters.

Worgan was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

Detective Constable Marie Stephen, the police officer in charge of the case, told the Evening Post: “It was a very difficult case that required courage on behalf of the victim in being able to come forward and explain what happened. It is a successful outcome.”

Virginia Cornwall, prosecuting, said Worgan got to know the youngster and touched her improperly.

“He considered it normal,” she said. “He said that she shouldn’t tell her mother.”

The court heard when the girl complained about the abuse Worgan denied wrongdoing. Miss Cornwall said: “He made partial admissions and said it would stop. It didn’t come to an end and he asked to see her body again. She told her friends what was happening and as a result of that she came forward to police.”

When Worgan was interviewed he denied the sexual abuse, the court heard, and initially claimed the girl made the allegations for her own ends.

Robert Duval, defending, said Worgan’s admission of responsibility was “vital” for the complainant and the way she would be able to address difficult issues in future. He said: “Guilty pleas are too few and far between. It requires a degree of courage to plead guilty. A guilty plea means she does not have to give evidence and it’s a demonstration of remorse.”

Mr Duval said Worgan accepted responsibility and had never sought to blame his victim for what happened. He conceded the girl had described what he had done to her as “horrible”, and the abuse happened more than once.

Mr Duval said: “He is sorry. He can’t do anything to turn back the clock. He would undertake treatment viewed as appropriate for him.”