Schoolgirl was 'groomed' by 43-year-old

8:10pm Sunday 20th July 2008

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A 43-year-old man has appeared in court facing charges relating to his relationship with a 15-year-old girl.

Paul Hill appeared at Worcester Crown Court after admitting sexual activity with a child and sexual grooming of a child.

Hill, of Charland Court, Droitwich, sent hundreds of texts to the girl and sat in his car and kissed her, said prosecuting solicitor Kerry Moreton.

She told how despite him being visited in his home by police officers warning him of his conduct their relationship developed.

She said: “She met up with him on request and stayed in his car kissing and hugging.”

Miss Moreton added: “He did have sexual attraction for her but said he would not act on this until she was 16.”

Abi Nixon, defending, said her client had not groomed the child in the way many perceive the charge, but they had unintentionally met and the relationship developed, but he was now trying to rebuild his home life.

She said he had assisted police throughout the investigations and added that he now wanted to put the episode behind him and added: “Mrs Hill is supportive of her husband.”

Judge Patrick Thomas said to Hill, who had no previous convictions: “You promoted and encouraged this despite police talking to you about it.”

You were certainly abusing this child and pursuing a relationship she found confusing and troublesome.”

Hill was given a 12-month jail sentence suspended for two years and ordered to take part in a community programme for sex offenders.