In 2025, the Offender Database reported that two Paedophiles, Thomas Bates and James Palmer, who sexually assaulted a defenceless 14-year-old girl in a “horrific assault,” during which she was burned with a cigarette, had been incarcerated.
According to Lancashire Police, the adolescent was subjected to multiple sexual assaults by Thomas Bates and James Palmer during a month-long period in the Lancaster and Morecambe region in 2024.
Thomas Bates, 21, of Scale Hall Lane, Lancaster, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Preston Crown Court after admitting to eight charges of sexual offences against a minor.
James Palmer, 26, of Torrisholme Square in Morecambe, admitted to engaging in sexual conduct with a minor and committing assault resulting in actual bodily harm, receiving a three-year prison sentence.
Thomas Bates and James Palmer were issued sexual harm prevention orders and lifelong restraining orders.
“These two men, Thomas Bates and James Palmer, clearly knew their victim was only 14 and yet they continued to sexually abuse her for their own gratification,” Det Con Cheryl Greer of Lancashire Police said.
She said, “I would like to commend the bravery of the victim for having the strength to come forward and speak about what happened to her.”
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