Dad sent ‘sex messages’ to teenager
CHRISTMAS ‘FOREVER TAINTED’ FOR VICTIM
A DAD-OF-THREE sent sexually suggestive messages to a 15-yearold girl.
Marc Hicks, 29, walked free from court after admitting causing or inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that Hicks had told the girl, then 15, that she ‘deserved to be treated like a princess.’
Hicks sent messages asking what ‘experience’ the girl had.
He told the girl that if she ‘wanted to experience something he could help her,’ prosecutor Andrew Mackintosh said.
Hicks, from Rochdale, sent further messages ‘complimenting’ her and saying ‘how pretty she was.’ The court was told Hicks later asked the girl to delete the messages. He was arrested and claimed he didn’t recall the messages he had sent to the girl.
Hicks also said he was trying to ‘boost her self esteem.’
Prosecutors told how the messages were sent over the Christmas period.
“Christmas now for her is forever tainted by what happened,” Judge Angela Nield said.
“If the fact of her age and her vulnerability were insufficient to put you off from your inexplicable behaviour at that time, it is difficult to work out what would have done.
“You had three small children for which you were responsibly jointly, and you were in what on the face of it was a positive relationship.
“Nevertheless you chose, over a relatively short period, but a period of persistence, to communicate with her.
“You offered yourself as a teacher. You were not specific as to what activities you were willing to engage in, but nevertheless the insinuation was there.”
The judge said the impact of Hicks’ offending ‘will be felt for some time to come.’
Defending, Gemma Maxwell, said Hicks has expressed ‘deep remorse’ for his offending.
She said his conviction will also have ‘significant consequences’ for his future employment.
Judge Nield told Hicks, of Croxton Avenue: “That is a sentence you have imposed upon yourself and is something that can never be regained.”
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Hicks must also complete the Horizon programme for sexual offenders, and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.