Former Royal Navy sailor jailed after admitting sexual activity with 14-year-old girl
A former Royal Navy sailor was jailed for 18 months after admitting having sex with a 14-year-old girl on two occasions.
Aaron Emmett, who was 25 at the time of the case and lived in the North Prospect area of Plymouth, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to two offences of sexual activity with a child.
The court heard that concerns first emerged after Facebook messages were discovered which indicated that Emmett and the girl were involved in a sexual relationship.
Prosecutor David Gittins told the court that Emmett had sexual intercourse with the 14-year-old on two separate occasions and that the sex was unprotected.
When the girl was initially spoken to by police in the presence of her father, she said that she and Emmett had only kissed and hugged. She later disclosed that intercourse had taken place, but indicated that she did not want to get Emmett into trouble.
Although the court heard there had been no threats or coercion, a 14-year-old cannot legally consent to sexual activity with an adult under UK law.
Emmett initially came to the attention of investigators through the messages and subsequently admitted during police interview that he had had sex with the girl twice.
The court heard that he became highly emotional during interview and expressed remorse and regret. He had no previous convictions.
In mitigation, defence solicitor Robert Linford said members of Emmett’s family and his then-girlfriend were at court supporting him and that references had been provided on his behalf.
The defence accepted that, at the age of 25, Emmett should have known better than to become sexually involved with a 14-year-old. The court was also told that he had left the Royal Navy on good terms.
Linford asked the judge to consider suspending any prison sentence.
Judge Paul Darlow, however, concluded that immediate custody was necessary, highlighting the 11-year age difference between Emmett and the child.
Emmett was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.
He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years and was barred from working with children.
The court was told that the prosecution was not seeking a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
⚠️ Sarah’s Law – Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme
Parents, carers and guardians can ask police whether someone who has contact with a child poses a known sexual risk to children. Applications can be made through your local police force.