Jail warning for Nelson man who groomed girl

Scott Anthony Marsh, of Belgrave Street, admitted at Burnley Crown Court meeting a child following sexual grooming on May 10th and sexual activity with a child between May 9th and 12th.

He had also been charged with abduction of the 14-year-old child in Nelson on May 10th, but denied the allegation and his plea was accepted by the prosecution.

The court heard the girl told Marsh she was 14 and she knew he was 22. Prosecutor Mr Stephen Parker said the girl had gone voluntarily to Nelson.

He said the pair had been texting and there had been quite a lot of conversation about how old the parties were.

Mr Parker continued: “He knew exactly how old she was and she was at school when she went to his flat.”

The defendant, who has no previous convictions, was bailed until July 13th, for a pre-sentence report and was ordered to sign the sexual offenders register.

He must live at his home address, not contact the victim and not enter her home town.

Marsh was told by Judge Beverley Lunt: “The sentence will be decided when all matters have been considered, but you must understand that the very likely outcome is a sentence of imprisonment.”