Jack English: Adult man groomed 13YO for child threesome, court heard

A martial arts student from Logan who sent sexually explicit messages to a child won’t have a conviction recorded due to the ‘unique circumstances’ of his case.

An “emotionally immature” Logan man who sent a series of sexually explicit messages to a 13-year-old child will walk free without a single conviction recorded.

Jack English, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of grooming a child under the age of 16 with intent to expose to indecent matter at the Beenleigh District Court on Tuesday.

The court heard English, a martial arts student and gaming enthusiast who has no criminal history, was friends with the young girl’s older brother.

Jack English pleaded guilty to grooming a child under the age of 16 by sending her sexually explicit material.

After visiting their home in 2018 English began grooming the girl, sending her messages which described his sexual attraction to her friend.

The conversation escalated at a bonfire party a few days later when English drunkenly suggested a threesome with the young girl and her friend.

Nothing physical eventuated, but English continued to discuss explicit sexual acts via message until the victim’s older sister saw and promptly put a stop to it.

Crown prosecutor Elizabeth Kelso told the court the victim’s “awkward teen responses” demonstrated a willingness to engage with English, but noted “the legislation exists to protect children from themselves” in an over-sexualised society.

“At the end of the day, they’re children, they’re not fully formed and they’re not making informed decisions,” Ms Kelso said.

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English appeared at the Beenleigh Courthouse on Tuesday.

The court heard English lost several long term friendships as a result of the grooming charge.

English’s lawyer told the court he suffered from “low verbal comprehension and low intellect” which may have contributed to his inappropriate conduct.

It was partially for this reason His Honour Judge Craig Chowdhury described the circumstances of the case as “unique” and ultimately decided not to record a conviction.

English was sentenced to 12 months probation.

“Consider yourself lucky,” Judge Chowdhury said.

“You’ve got a lot going for you, let’s hope this is the first and only time you appear at court.”