A man who kissed a schoolgirl on the cheek in B&M after she told him how old she was has been jailed.
David Bigley, 45, approached a 15-year-old girl and her friend in the store on Central 12 Retail Park in Southport and invited them to drink alcohol with him. When they declined and informed him of their age, he proceeded to put his arm around the teenage girl and kissed her on the cheek.
Detectives identified and charged Bigley, of Hundred End Lane in Hesketh Bank, with sexual assault on a female and possession of a controlled Class B drug, cannabis. Bigley appeared in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (January 11) where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison.
He was also placed on the Sexual Offenders Register for seven years.
Detective Inspector Paul McVeigh said: “Bigley’s behaviour towards the young girls was totally inappropriate and unacceptable, despite them telling him their age. His conduct was not welcome and these unwanted advances should not happen to any female of any age and will not be tolerated.
“Thankfully he pleaded guilty, and he was sentenced quickly which saved the victim the ordeal of having to go through the legal process or relieve the experience in court by way of a trial.”
Det Insp McVeigh added: “We are committed to tackling any form of abuse or violence against women or girls. We will ensure that they are given the support and action that is required at their time of need.”
If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support: NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk.Childline – call 0800 1111
If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve. You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously here.
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