October 2009

Dad jailed for sex with girl, 13

A single dad who had a sexual relationship relationship with a 13-year-old girl has been jailed.

Wayne Garrod started seeing the schoolgirl after he moved to South Shields from Scotland when his wife left him for another man.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 25-year-old admitted sleeping with the youngster when she visited his home, sometimes while she was skipping school.

Garrod, of Girtin Road, South Shields, admitted three charges of sexual activity with a child.

Prosecutor Julian Smith told the court; “They are specimen counts to reflect a course of conduct.

“In interview he admitted full sexual intercourse, saying it happened, he thought, on at least 12 occasions over five to six months.

“The complainant said she thought no more than 10 times.

“He admitted it was a stupid thinking he had done and should not have allowed it to happen.

“He said he found it hard to stop because he really cared about her, saying he loved her.”

Mr Recorder Ben Nolan sentenced Garrod to three years and four months

behind bars, and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life.

Garrod is banned from ever working or having close contact with children indefinitely.