A YOUNG Workington man has been jailed for engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old schoolgirl.
Joshua Patrick Sibbald, 21, wept in the dock throughout a sentencing hearing at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI) as details of his offending, committed in late 2018 when he was aged 19, were outlined by the prosecution.
Sibbald, of Salterbeck Drive, had admitted eight counts of sexual activity with a child aged under 16.
Sibbald’s barrister, Judith McCullough, described him as a “very immature” and “very emotional” young man, and “somewhat of a lonely and lost soul”. Ms McCullough said of his criminal conduct: “This is not the kind of predatory case we see all too often.”
But while accepting that point was true, the sentencing judge, Recorder Michael Hayton QC, found there were “elements of grooming and blackmail” by Sibbald.
And, jailing him for three years, Recorder Hayton said: “This may well have been an immature 19-year-old, but an immature 19-year-old who is capable and mature enough to manipulate those who are younger than him.”
The judge, who had also read detailed background reports prepared on the defendant by experts, concluded: “This is a man manipulating a little girl.”
Sibbald must also sign the sex offenders’ register for life, and was made subject to the strict terms of a sexual harm prevention order for the next five years.
Detective Constable Leanza van der Westhuizen said: “Sibbald is a dangerous and predatory man who groomed his victim, and threatened to harm himself if his victim didn’t continue to see him. He was very manipulative and lied about knowing his victims age adamant they were of age.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victim for their courage in assisting our investigation.
“It’s important that people are vigilant when speaking with people online. There are people, like Sibbald, who seek to exploit young people. It is also important for parents to make sure they know who their children are talking to online.”
An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Sibbald deliberately exploited his young victim’s vulnerability both on and offline to satisfy his own perverted intentions.
“Proper regulation of social media sites is vital to ensure that sexual predators like Sibbald are prevented from accessing young and vulnerable people online.
“The NSPCC continues to urge the Government to introduce a powerful Online Harms Bill to ensure social media companies can be held to account and create a safer internet for children.”
Anyone concerned about an inappropriate relationship between an adult and a child can call the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000.
