Convicted sex offender gets suspended sentence

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A plea for leniency by a jury, which had convicted 24-year-old Jamie Knowles for committing a sex crime against a girl under 14, is what Justice Iain Morley said caused him to consider a non-custodial sentence for the young man.
Knowles was sentenced to two years, however, the prison term has been suspended.
The convict was warned that should he commit another crime during the two years, he would be jailed for two years for this sex crime conviction, plus whatever other sentence the court determines for the new offence.
Before handing down his decision, the judge recounted that on the day Knowles was convicted during the last criminal assizes, he (the judge) told him would be going to prison, but the length of time would have to be determined.
Morley revealed that the jurors requested to speak with him and begged for leniency for Knowles, given the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The jury collectively agreed that he made a mistake, he is a decent citizen and they made their decision based on the law,” Justice Morley said.
The incident came to light some months after it occurred, which was between June 1 and July 7, 2014.
The child had become ill and a doctor who examined her said it was suspected she was pregnant. The teen, who cannot legally consent to sex, then confided in her mother about what had happened.

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