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09
Nov
Man sentenced after kissing girl, 13, in Ripon
A man has been sentenced after kissing a 13-year-old girl in Ripon.
Kieran Waters, 25, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday (November 7) where he confirmed his name, age and address.
Waters admitted two counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 at a previous hearing and appeared before magistrates for sentencing.
Antony Farrell, prosecuting, told the court that the offences happened on a local bus route and “down an alleyway”.
The court heard that Waters, of Kings Meadow Close in Wetherby, had met a group of girls after a night out and later ran into them on a bus.
The 25-year-old was then captured on CCTV kissing one of the girls, who was aged 13. The footage was shown to magistrates in court.
Waters also admitted touching the girl’s bottom, thighs and back.
Martin Townend, defending, told the court that the victim in the case declined to give statements to police.
He added that Waters was diagnosed autistic and struggled with social interactions.
Mr Townend said:
The facts of the case are that Mr Waters was on a night out and met some girls who were drinking vodka.
He was told that they were 18 and he bumped into them again. Mr Waters is autistic and struggles with social interactions. He believes what you tell him.
Mr Townend added that he would oppose the court imposing a sexual harm prevention order based on his diagnosis.
Magistrates sentenced Waters to a 24-month community order, which included 35 rehabilitation activity days.
He was also given a five-year sexual harm prevention order.
Waters was also fined £400 and ordered to pay a victims’ surcharge of £114 and £85 in court costs.
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