Ben Bennett, then aged 39, of Hastings Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, Lancashire, has avoided an immediate custodial sentence at Preston Crown Court after being convicted of sexual offences involving a schoolgirl in Cumbria.
The prosecution arose from an incident during which Bennett targeted the young victim while she was under the influence of alcohol for the first time.
Prosecutor Robert Dudley told the court that Bennett kissed the young girl on her lips and proceeded to sexually touch her.
The court was also informed that Bennett had engaged in sexual communications with an underage teenager using the social media platform Snapchat.
Bennett maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, asserting to investigators and the court that the victim had fabricated her allegations against him.
The case proceeded to a contested trial before a Crown Court jury.
Jurors returned guilty verdicts on two counts:
- Sexual activity with a child
- Engaging in sexual communications with a child
The jury acquitted Bennett of rape and other child sex offences that had formed part of the indictment.
During mitigation, the court heard that Bennett was a father who had previously served in the Royal Air Force for 12 years with distinction.
His Honour Judge Guy Mathieson condemned Bennett’s refusal to accept accountability, remarking during sentencing: “You maintain she fabricated her account. You paint yourself out to be a saint when you are very much a sinner.”
Judge Mathieson imposed a four-month prison term, suspended for 18 months.
As conditions of the suspended sentence order, Bennett was instructed to complete 200 hours of unpaid work in the community.
The court also issued a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim and made Bennett subject to the statutory notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Register for a period of 10 years.
Image Credit – Anonymous Artists Impression
For the latest updates and offender details, follow us on the Offender Register Facebook Page. If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on how to report a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.