A MAN who took advantage of a vulnerable teenager by taking her away for a week has been found guilty of abduction.
Jurors took just over an hour to find Anthony Chick guilty after a three-day trial at Southampton Crown Court. He will be sentenced later this month.
The court had heard how Chick, 28, had struck up a friendship with the 15-year-old girl at a dance course.
But the girl’s mum became so concerned about their relationship she phoned him and asked him to stay away, but it continued.
The girl left her mum’s home at about 1pm to spend time with a friend and was due to return at about 8pm, but she never came back that day.
She was reported missing and a week was found by police at a holiday part near Bridport, Dorset, with Chick and another man. Both men were arrested.
Chick, 28, of Beech Crescent, Hythe denied abduction. Shane Saunders, 24, of Ash Close, Hythe, denied the same charge but was acquitted.
Proceeding
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