Guernsey Man (23) jailed for abusing teen girl

A man who sexually touched a girl almost a decade younger than him has been handed a jail sentence.

Guernsey Police say 23-year-old Jacob Brady befriended a teenager at a sports club, and they regularly texted.

He then intentionally sexually touched the 14-year-old girl without her consent while they were in his car.

Following his arrest, officers searched his devices and found 26 indecent images of children.

Brady pleaded guilty to ten offences - five of possessing images and five of sexual touching - and was sentenced today (25 February) to four years and four months in prison.

The teenager and their family have shared this statement:

"We welcome today’s sentence and the court’s recognition of the seriousness of the crimes committed against our daughter when she was just 14 years old.

"Nothing can undo the harm that was caused.

"The impact of this abuse on our daughter’s mental health has been profound and long-lasting, and it has affected our entire family in ways that are difficult to put into words.

"We continue to support her as she rebuilds her sense of safety, confidence and wellbeing.

"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Guernsey Police for their professionalism, compassion and determination throughout this investigation, and to the Reparative Care Team and the Victim Support and Witness Service who have provided vital care, guidance and reassurance during an incredibly difficult period.

"Their support has made a meaningful difference to our daughter’s ability to cope and to seek justice.

"While today is about accountability, we also hope that the perpetrator uses his time in custody to reflect on the harm he has caused and to engage with any support offered to him, so that he can rehabilitate and rebuild his life after serving his sentence.

"Finally, we want to send a clear message to other victims of sexual crime in Guernsey: you are not alone, and you should not be afraid to come forward.

"Support is available, you will be listened to, and you will be treated with care, dignity and respect.

"We now ask that the media and public respect our daughter’s privacy and the privacy of our family as we focus on her recovery and on moving forward together."

Guernsey Police say 'abhorrent offences of this nature' can have a life-long impact on victims.

They praise the victim for coming forward and say they will always thoroughly investigate to bring offenders to justice.