On Friday, 53-year-old Jason Thurkettle was informed that he will get a term of six years and seven months in prison for sexual offences against two schoolgirls, in addition to a charge of violence.
Throughout his trial, it was revealed that the charges were disclosed after two women who engaged in sexual relations with Jason Thurkettle informed the authorities that he preferred them to impersonate schoolgirls aged between 12 and 15 during intercourse.
Following a trial in February, Jason Thurkettle, previously residing on Queensberry Road in Ipswich, was found guilty of eight offences against the girls. He was convicted of indecent exposure, two counts of sexual assault against a child under 13, and five counts of non-penetrative sexual activity.
In April, he entered a guilty plea to a violence charge on the inaugural day of his trial, having confessed to striking a woman in the face in 2021.
Testimonies from Jason Thurkettle’s victims were presented in court.
One victim said that her flashbacks were so severe that she had not been able to shower for years, instead taking baths.
“I don’t think I will ever be able to get over this fully,” she said. “I have not been the same since.”
The girl first told a teacher what Jason Thurkettle had done to her after a health education lesson.
After telling her teacher, she said she felt emboldened to tell others. “He made it a safe space for me, and I was really grateful,” she said.
Jason Thurkettle’s second victim said she was left struggling to sleep, go out and form relationships as a result of his abuse.
“I had a feeling that if one man could do this to me then every man could, and that was what I deserved,” she said.
Recorder Jeremy Benson sentenced Jason Thurkettle to five years in prison for his six sexual offences against his younger victim, who the court heard was 12 at the time of the abuse.
He added 18 months to his sentence for the crimes against the second schoolgirl, and a further month for the offence of battery.
In total, Jason Thurkettle received a sentence of six years and seven months.
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