JAMES MICHAEL GRAHAM – WHITEHAVEN/TRANENT

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2017. Judge suspends jail term for man

The victim of a man’s sex crimes told police she had “lost part of her childhood and innocence”, a court heard.

James Michael Graham, 24, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on having previously admitted seven counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Antony Longworth, prosecuting, said the offences were reported to police early in 2016.

“These were repeated offences committed over a period of some two years,” said Mr Longworth.

In a statement the victim revealed that as a result of these, she “has lost part of her childhood and innocence”.

“What he did was wrong. He was an adult. She was a child,” added Mr Longworth.

Kim Whittlestone, defending, asked that Graham be given credit for guilty pleas which he had indicated “at a very early stage” of the court proceedings.

He was described as a “quiet man” who was “very much focused on his family”. Background information prepared for Friday’s hearing showed he had also been diagnosed with depression.

A number of testimonials were provided in support of Graham.

“There are numerous members of society who are willing to speak in favour of this defendant,” said Miss Whittlestone.

Judge Barbara Forrester suspended a 16-month jail sentence for two years.

Graham, of James Pit Road, Whitehaven, was ordered to take part in a sex offenders’ treatment programme, and given a four-month night-time curfew.

In addition, he was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.