Shropshire trainee mechanic, 19, had sexual activity with schoolgirl

Jamie Bradley, a trainee mechanic, of The Moors in Cressage, near Shrewsbury, first exchanged text messages with the teenager.

They then met, with Bradley taking her in his car to Mount Pleasant in Shrewsbury earlier this year.

Bradley was given a 12 month community order when he appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court and must complete 150 hours unpaid work.

Judge Peter Barrie said that Bradley knew that he could only have a friendship with the girl.

He added it was unlikely he did not understand the impact of what he was doing.

Bradle had admitted four charges of sexual activity with a child in March and April this year.

He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and sex offence notification for a period of five years. The court had heard reports showed Bradley had a low IQ and had autistic traits and had said he knew intercourse was illegal, but not touching the girl.

Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting, said the victim, who was 13 at the time, had told the defendant she was too young and he was aware of her age.

The incidents had taken place in Bradley's car on a public car park in the Mount Pleasant area of Shrewsbury.

He said the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had confided in a friend who brought the matter to light.

The court heard the incidents had caused the girl a loss of confidence and appetite and had also affected her school work.

Mr Stephen Scully, for Bradley, said his client had shown a lack of maturity and had limited sexual knowledge and he was extremely remorseful.

He said Bradley had learning difficulties and had been referred to a community mental health team, but had secured an apprenticeship to be a mechanic.