Former Long Sutton who had obsession with Only Fans site is jailed after he was convicted of abusing underage girl

A former Long Sutton man who was convicted of sex offences against an underage girl was today (Friday July 4) jailed for five years and ten months.

Lee Merrison, 34, then of Delph Road, appeared before Boston magistrates in November last year.

His case was sent to Lincoln Crown Court where a jury convicted him of offences including sexual assault on a child aged under 13, engaging in sexual communication with a child and exposure.

Those offences ended in November 2023.

An impact statement from the victim, who can not be named to protect her anonymity, was read out in court.

The victim described how she suffered flashbacks and hallucinations as a result of the abuse.

"I don't feel safe around men anymore," she stressed. "It has ruined my life."

Barnaby Shaw, mitigating, said there were other positive aspects to Mr Merrison.

"In other areas of his life he was thoroughly upstanding, honest, reliable and hard working," Mr Shaw submitted.

"He has been in full-time employment."

Mr Shaw also suggested the period of the offending was shorter than some more serious cases.

Passing sentence Recorder Paul Mann KC said Merrison had initially developed an "obsession" with the Only Fans website, which demonstrated his sexual interests.

Recorder Mann made it clear the impact on the victim and her mental health was "enormous".

"The defendant should understand the impact of his behaviour on others," Recorder Mann stressed.

Merrison, now of Elm High Road, Wisbech, was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which limits his contact with girls and the internet.

He must also register as a sex offender for life.

Four charges on which the jury failed to reach verdicts were left to lie on the file.