Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday 10th March 2025, at 15:30hrs
Two men who subjected a vulnerable 14-year-old girl to a horrifying campaign of sexual abuse, including burning her with cigarettes, have been jailed at Preston Crown Court.
James Palmer, 25, and Thomas Bates, 20, carried out a month-long series of assaults that left the young victim traumatized.
The court heard how Bates repeatedly sexually assaulted the girl and forced her to watch pornography.
Palmer also admitted to sexual activity including penetration, as well as the brutal assault where he burned her with a cigarette.
Bates, of Scale Hall Lane, Lancaster, pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual activity with a child, including penetration, and causing a child to watch a sexual act. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Palmer, of Torrisholme Square, Morecambe, pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child, including penetration, and assault. He received a three-year jail term.
Both men were also handed sexual harm prevention orders and lifetime restraining orders, designed to protect the victim and prevent future offences.
The case was brought to justice by Detective Constables Lauren Holt and Cheryl Greer of the West child exploitation team.
Detective Constable Greer praised the victim’s courage, stating, “First and foremost I would like to commend the bravery of the victim for having the strength to come forward and speak about what happened to her – we would not have been able to secure justice without her courage.”
She added, “These two men clearly knew their victim was only 14 and yet they continued to sexually abuse her for their own gratification. I welcome the sentences given by the court and I hope that it gives others who may have suffered similar abuse the confidence to come forward and report it to police, safe in the knowledge they will be dealt with professionally and with sensitively and that we will do all we can to put offenders before the courts.”
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