Description
James Finlay incited the girl to engage in sexual activity in July 2022.
The 38-year-old simulated sexual intercourse against her over clothing.
On Thursday 30 July Finlay appeared at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced to four years and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was found guilty of the offences by a jury following a trial.
During the trial the court heard how police responded to a report that was made in at 4.45am in July 2022.
Following the report, officers spoke to the child to obtain details of what had happened.
Finlay was arrested by police shortly after 6am the same day and taken to police custody to be questioned by Cleveland Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit.
He was subsequently charged.
Detective Constable Bonnie Dowson, from Cleveland Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit, said:
“Finlay abused his position and took advantage of a child that understandably left her distressed.
“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge how swiftly the girl informed an adult on what had taken place and the ongoing courage and bravery she has shown to report it to police and see it through the criminal justice system.
“While no sentence will ever undo the harm Finlay caused, I hope it can provide a sense of justice and an opportunity to begin moving forward with the help and support available.”