|
Man jailed for sexual offences with underage girl - Bracknell
 A sports coach who had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl from the youth team has been jailed for four-and-a half years.
Nicholas Stephen Lovell, aged 38, of Cabell Road, Guildford, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday 29 August. He had been remanded in custody since 8 August, when he was found guilty of five charges of sexual activity with a child.
In 2006, when the offences occurred, Lovell was an ice hockey coach for children at the Bracknell ice rink. He became involved with a 15-year-old girl, despite knowing that she was below the age of consent.
Det Con Paul Kerr of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit said: ""Lovell was 36 at the time and knew that the girl, whom he groomed to believe was in love with him, was only 15. He knew that the relationship he was embarking on was unlawful but continued despite having been warned by the police to have no contact with the victim.
"He introduced her at his place of work as his girlfriend and took her to a function laid on by the company he worked with. On several occasions he took her to hotels where he had intercourse with her.
"The victim's parents reported concerns about Lovell to the police in September 2006. Although no offences had been disclosed at the time, he was interviewed by officers and warned about his behaviour. He also signed an agreement to have no further contact with the girl.
"However, her parents remained concerned and her father placed some software on the family computer which monitored her e-mails and chat logs. Lovell continued his contact, even talking about marriage and being together forever. He used various false names to maintain the contact, hoping to evade detection.
"Lovell maintained a not guilty plea throughout the trial and tried to place the blame on the victim. He should have known better but chose to make his victim go through a trial, with the trauma that it caused, rather than admit to his crimes.
"He is now beginning a lengthy period of incarceration for his crimes against a vulnerable young girl. He made choices about his behaviour and must now face up to the repercussions."
Berkshire East Communications Team
01753 506033 http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/index.htm |
