Leam Lock 42

Description

An NHS worker concocted a "ludicrous" explanation after sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl, claiming they were merely "play fighting."

Leam Lock, 42, of Chatteris Court in St Helens, squeezed the girl's bottom, kissed her with his tongue in her mouth, groped her breast, and told her he "wanted her so bad" and that she "shouldn't tell her mum what happened," Liverpool Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Fiona McNeill said the victim reported the incident to her mother and a friend, prompting police involvement. Lock then claimed the girl had licked his face and her "tongue had accidentally gone in his mouth."

In a statement read to the court, the victim described feeling "sad and low" and "finding it difficult to trust any men." Lock has one prior conviction for theft.

Defense counsel Steven Swift noted Lock's "very positive work ethic," his 12-year role as a payroll operations manager, and no relevant prior convictions. References from his sister and mother highlighted the "high regard" his family holds for him. Swift added: "It was only after the case concluded that the defendant confided in his siblings. He has been trying to deal with this matter on his own for some time now."

A jury convicted Lock of one count of sexual assault of a child. He shook his head as Judge Ian Harris jailed him for two years, with a woman in the public gallery waving as he was led away.

The judge told Lock he had "behaved disgracefully to the child" and invented a "ludicrous explanation," adding: "At trial, you were to say, ludicrously, that [victim's name] licked your face and that her tongue accidentally went into your mouth.

"She says her trust in men has been ruined. She still feels pained by what she has been through.

"Your mother and sister set out how you have assisted your parent and how you have cared for others. You have no relevant or recent convictions.

"Although suspended from work, you held a reasonably responsible job in the payroll department with the National Health Service."

Lock was also handed a restraining order which will prevent him from contacting the complainant for 10 years. He will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for the next decade.