A woman flagrantly breached an official warning not to have a vulnerable girl in her house, a court heard yesterday.
Bradford Crown Court was told the 13-year-old was found in bed with Joyce Parker, 34, who was fully clothed and in a dazed condition.
Sentencing Parker, who pleaded guilty to child abduction, Judge John Potter said: “I emphasise there was no suggestion at all that any type of sexual activity was taking place.”
But he added: “Offences of child abduction are extremely serious because they involve exploitation of children, particularly in this case a child who was vulnerable. This offence is made worse by the fact that it was a flagrant breach, you knew full well she shouldn’t be at your home.”
Prosecutor David Brooke said the girl had at first visited Parker’s house in Collingham Avenue, Buttershaw, Bradford, with her mother’s permission, but later there were concerns about potential harm to the teenager, particularly from smoking and possibly drinking.
Parker was given a Harbourer’s Notice, setting out in clear terms that the girl was not to enter the property.
But on July 27, a witness went into the house and found children smoking. The 13-year-old was in bed with Parker, and police were called.
Judge Potter told Parker: “I make it clear there is no suggestion there was any sexual motive in any of these young people being in your home.”
Parker was sentenced to a two-year community order, with a three month residence requirement at a bail hostel and a 50-day activity programme.
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