Southern Downs man fronts Warwick Magistrates Court over juvenile decision to have sex with underage girl

An 18-year-old man’s decision to have sex with his 14-year-old girlfriend has seen him face Warwick Magistrates Court.

An 18-year-old Warwick man learnt the consequences of engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor when he fronted Magistrates Court on April 7.

A young man’s juvenile decision to knowingly engage in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl saw him front Warwick Magistrates Court.

The Southern Downs man pleaded guilty on April 7 to one count of engaging in penile intercourse with a child under 16.

The court was told the man met the young girl when he was 17 and they began a friendship.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Steve de Lissa told the court a complaint was made to police when the girl’s father became aware of what happened.

The court was told the pair engaged in a sexual act only once, sometime during December 2024. The man was 18 at the time.

Sergeant de Lissa said during the investigation police found a number of inappropriate texts and photos between the two.

When the man was interviewed by police he made full admissions to knowing the girl was 14 at the time.

Defence solicitor Phil Crook told the court his client had taken comfort in the company of the young girl after suffering a serious injury.

The court was told the man initially thought the girl was 16, with her later confessing to him her true age.

Mr Crook told the court his client knew it was wrong, however wasn’t in the state of mind at the time to understand the consequences of his actions.

In handing down her decision, magistrate Janice Crawford took into consideration the man’s age, lack of history and mental capacity at the time.

“Perhaps it’s that your emotional maturity is a wee bit problematic here in having a girlfriend that’s so much younger than you wasn’t a good idea,” Ms Crawford said.

Ms Crawford reminded the man that although consent was mutual, it was unlawful to engage in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old.

The man was sentenced to six month’s probation and no conviction was recorded.