Wiltshire riding instructor sentenced for sending sexual messages to girl under 16
She is no longer an accredited coach
A woman from Landford Wood has been sentenced for engaging in sexual communication with a child.
Alice Pearse, 26 of Fairlands Farm, has been given a 24 month community order as well as a five year restraining order to not contact the victim in any form.
In October last year, the mum of the victim reported concerns to Wiltshire Police over inappropriate contact from Pearse to her daughter.
On the victim’s phone were numerous messages from Pearse to the victim of a sexual nature as well as offers to buy a new mobile phone and helping the victim run away.
Pearse was arrested last October and had her mobile phone seized at Melksham Police Station.
She has been added to the sex offender’s register for five years and is no longer an accredited coach.
Child Abuse Investigator Kirsten Woodward said:
“This sentence was brought about by the parents spotting that something wasn’t right with their daughter and coming forward to the police.
“I would encourage parents to keep an eye out for any signs that a child might be being sexually exploited, including changes in behaviour and mood, spending more time online and becoming secretive over it and receiving unexplained gifts.
“This person was in a position of trust, which makes it even more concerning for those involved.
“I hope this sentence will encourage others, especially parents, to come forward and speak to us, no matter when the offence happened.
“It is our duty to protect children and young people from risk and take allegation of this nature extremely seriously and will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.”
Anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse should contact police on 101 to speak to their specialist detectives in confidence.