March 2016

Pervert who sent ‘explicit’ texts and Facebook messages to teen girl jailed

An Anglesey man became besotted with a teenage schoolgirl and bombarded her with texts and Facebook messages – some of a highly sexual nature.

Andrew Marshall also met with the girl, hugged her and even tried to kiss her.

The 51 year-old, formerly of Newborough but now living in Worksop, was jailed for two years today after he admitted the offences.

Mold Crown Court heard today that Marshall had been grooming the girl for a sexual relationship and that the ordeal had a traumatic effect on her.

Prosecuting barrister Andrew Green said police launched a probe after the victim’s mother found a birthday card from Marshall under the teen’s bed.

An examination of her mobile phone revealed that Marshall had sent her over 100 texts, many of which were “explicit” and “sexual” in nature.

In some of the messages, he referred to her as “my girl” and called her a “minx”.

One message sent by Marshall read: ”Hope you are OK, wish I could kiss your chest better.

Arrested and interviewed, Marshall said that he felt stupid about what he had done.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins said Marshall had shown “little remorse for his actions” and had tried to blame the girl for taking advantage of him for “financial gain”.

The judge added that it was highly inappropriate for a man to send such messages to a child and that it was “obvious” what his intentions were.

Defending barrister John Wyn Williams said that the defendant had ample opportunity to take matters further with the teen but he did not do so.

“At least he did not take a step towards a more intimate relationship,” added Mr Williams.

He said the defendant was fairly naive and immature and accepted that his text messages had been entirely inappropriate.

“He (Marshall) wants me to apologise to the girl and to her family openly in court,”

As well as his prison sentence, Marshall was also ordered to register as a sex offender and told not to contact his victim in any way for the next seven years.