Teaching assistant who groomed a 13-year-old girl for sex.

Teaching Assistant Jailed for Grooming 13-Year-Old Girl

Jamie Gunn, 25, of Haverhill, Suffolk, has become the first sex offender to be sentenced under new legislation aimed at tackling paedophiles. He was jailed for three years at Ipswich Crown Court after admitting to seven offenses, including grooming, sexual touching, and sexual activity.

The new laws, introduced as part of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, significantly increased the penalties for sexual offenses against minors. Under the old legislation, Gunn's sentence could have been as short as one year.

Gunn, an information technology specialist at the school, initially connected with the girl via email. However, Judge John Holt emphasized that the girl was not to blame for the situation and that Gunn was solely responsible for grooming her and engaging in sexual activity.

The court heard that Gunn's offenses were discovered after the girl's mother noticed suspicious activity on her computer. The prosecution revealed that Gunn and the girl had exchanged explicit text and email messages for approximately a month.

Gunn's defense attorney argued that his client had not forced the girl into sexual activity and had even asked her if she was sure about taking such a step. However, Gunn was banned from working with children indefinitely and ordered to register as a sex offender. He will serve half his three-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.