Guardian News
Convicted paedophile has jail sentence extended
3:30pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012
A CONVICTED paedophile, who preyed on vulnerable teenage girls, has had his prison sentence extended.
Businessman Giles Cross, 46, formerly of Pipers Ash, Winsford, admitted five charges of sexual activity with a girl aged 15 at an earlier hearing in January – a year after he was sentenced to four years behind bars after being found guilty of grooming another teenager.
Appearing at Chester Crown Court on Monday, he had that sentence extended by another two and a half years.
Prosecuting, Karl Scholz, told the court: “The complainant was 15 years old when she met the defendant in June 2007 at a polo club in Cheshire. His business had sponsored one of the cups offered as a prize that day.
“Giles asked the girl to sell tickets for a private party being held that evening on the grounds.
“They exchanged telephone numbers and communication then began through Facebook, MSN and email.
“He was aware that she was only 15 about a week or so after the messages began. It was clear that she was flattered by his attention. He was paying her compliments and told her she was exciting.
“He would pick her up at the end of her parent’s driveway and drop her off away from the house. He explained to her that he did this because they couldn’t be seen together. “ On several occasion Cross would take the teenager out in his car. They would go for walks or go back to his office in Tarporley where they would end up having sex.
She saw him once or twice a week before she went back to school in September. On her 16th birthday she ended their relationship.
More than 150 chat blogs recovered from Giles Cross’ computer revealed the extent of their relationship. The teenager had fell pregnant with Cross’ child, although he denied he was the father. The girl chose to have an abortion in secret.
Mr Scholz added: “It is clear that she was vulnerable. She speaks of how she had low self esteem. She had self-harmed in the past and continued to do so in this relationship.”
The victim came forward in January 2011 after following Cross’ original trial in the newspaper.
She said the girl involved in the case was telling the truth because “the same thing had happened to her”.
Defending, Duncan Bould told the court: “He is ashamed of his behaviour and wished to convey his apologies to the girls and their families.”
Sentencing Cross, Judge Elgan Edwards said: “It is a very sad situation that you find yourself in.
“You must have been an attractive proposition for a 15-year-old girl who was vulnerable and naive. You took advantage of her and that will not be tolerated.
“Your behaviour in relation to this girl is appalling and in all the circumstances I think your behaviour smacks of pervasion.”