September 2013

‘Intelligent’ man used charms to groom teen for sex

AN “intelligent, articulate” man used his charms to groom a girl for sex, a court heard.

During an afternoon walk in the countryside, Matthew Spurgeon told the girl she was beautiful and no-one compared to her before trying, unsuccessfully, to have sex with her twice, Durham Crown Court was told.

When the girl, who later told police she was worried she would lose her virginity, told him to stop, he did so, saying it was “time to get the dog back anyway”, Aisha Wadoodi, prosecuting, said.

The incident, in April 2011, came after a text message exchange between the two, in which Spurgeon had said: “I really like you”.

He had also kissed her.

She told no-one about what happened until confessing to her mother five months later, saying he made her feel special.

Spurgeon, 32, of Dormand Court, Wingate, County Durham, admitted sexual assault.

Jane Waugh, for Spurgeon, said he had suffered a difficult childhood but reviewed his whole life following the death of his step-son earlier this year and hoped to never appear in court again.

Sentencing, Judge Christopher Prince told Spurgeon he was intelligent, articulate and capable of being quite charming; but he had brought those personal attributes to bear in grooming his victim, who had been left disturbed by his actions.

Spurgeon was sentenced to 37 months in prison. He will be on the sex offenders’ register for life.