Jail for teenager who had sex with Burnley 14-year-old after Internet chat

Burnley Crown Court heard how Daniel Shaw (18), who got to know the girl through internet chat and knew how old she was, committed sex acts on the 14-year-old, leaving her depressed and considering counselling.

The victim at first told no-one what had happened but Shaw was found out after her mother read her diary.

Shaw, who had never been in trouble before, wept as a judge told him he had to go to custody.

The defendant, of Norham Close, Burnley, admitted three charges of sexual activity with a child.

He was banned from working with children and placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Mr Stephen Parker (prosecuting) said the girl told police she just did what Shaw asked although she had been in pain and scared.

Mr Parker said the girl’s computer was examined and the victim then gave a full interview to police. A video identity parade was held and the victim, who attended with her family, picked out Shaw.

Mr Parker said the victim had described the horror she felt after what happened and said the memories kept going round and round in her head. She had suffered malicious comments as people had been spreading rumours about her. The prosecutor added: “She says most of the time she is in a depressed state thinking about what happened and is considering going to see her GP for counselling.”

Mr Parker told the hearing Shaw’s behaviour had been predatory, deliberate and premeditated. He added: “The defendant knew perfectly well the complainant was only 14. He arranged to meet her in the full knowledge he intended to carry out the acts.” Sentencing the defendant, who was accompanied by many family and friends, Judge Graham Knowles QC described the case as a tragedy for all parties. The judge, who read 27 references on Shaw’s behalf, added he had taken into account all the things the writers said about the defendant. Judge Knowles told him: “I am satisfied you are not a dangerous offender and it is not necessary to make a sexual offences prevention order to protect the public.”