Builder jailed for child sex offences

A Norfolk builder was jailed for 18 months after admitting indecently touching a 13-year-old girl.Philip Knowles, 50, of Peacock Lane, Holt, admitted two offences of sexual activity with the under-aged girl between December 2005 and December 2006 at Norwich Crown Court.

A Norfolk builder was jailed for 18 months after admitting indecently touching a 13-year-old girl.

Philip Knowles, 50, of Peacock Lane, Holt, admitted two offences of sexual activity with the under-aged girl between December 2005 and December 2006 at Norwich Crown Court.

Prosecutor Stephen Spence said the girl had been vulnerable with a history of self-harm and suicide threats. Knowles tried to bribe her to let him touch her and for her to touch him back.

He added: “There have been suggestions the victim led him on but the crown refutes that and the defence have not sought to challenge that position.”

In mitigation, Michael Clare said Knowles was a self-employed builder and “a hard-working Norfolk man”.

“This is not the type of abuse which often comes before this court,” he added.

Knowles has been assessed as a low risk of re-offending.

As well as jailing him on Wednesday of last week, Judge Philip Curl banned Knowles from working with children for life and place him on the sex offenders' register for 10 years.

He said: “You failure to accept responsibility and face the facts is a cause for concern. At least your plea spared your victim having to give evidence in court and relive her experiences.”