A teenager has been locked up for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl a year after police were told he was having sex with a child.

James Hearn, 18, contacted the 13-year-old on social media last December before meeting her at Redbridge railway station.

He assaulted her there and again near his home, police said, and she told her mum. Together they reported the attack to police.

But in March this year Hearn, of Bracken Lane, Southampton, started sending her threatening messages.

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All of this happened when police had already been told in 2022 that a then 16-year-old Hearn was having sex with a 12-year-old girl.

Hearn was this week handed a four-year sentence at Southampton Crown Court.

A statement from Hampshire police said: “What happened to these girls at the hands of Hearn is far beyond what most of us will ever be able to comprehend, and we thank them sincerely for coming forward and reporting what happened to the police.

“Their courage and bravery means that Hearn will now spend time in prison for his abhorrent crimes, which these girls must live with for the rest of their lives.

"Nothing can ever take away what happened to them, but we do hope that this sentence goes some way to helping them move forward with their lives.

“We also hope that the news of this sentence helps others who have suffered similar abuse to find the confidence to come forward and speak to the police knowing their voices will be heard and that there is support available.”

Hearn admitted two charges of sexual activity with a child under 16.

He also admitted a charge of sexual activity with a child under 13 covering more than one occasion, and a charge of sexual assault of a child under 13 - also covering more than one occasion.

He must sign the sex offenders' register for life, and was handed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order.

  • Anyone who needs support can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.