Paedophile Stuart Crawford, of Market Way End, is on trial at Oxford Crown Court charged with three counts – three counts of sexual activity with a child and offering to supply a Class A drug, namely cocaine.
Alleged to have attacked a 14-year-old girl on October 22, 2022, outside The Ashton Club on Sheep Street, is 42-year-old Stuart Crawford.
Although Stuart Crawford has admitted to being with the girl in the early hours of the morning, he denies having intercourse with her or giving her cocaine.
Stuart Crawford stood up during the Thursday, August 15 trial to present his defence argument.
He claimed he touched the girl but thought she was eighteen.
“It was 1-1.30 am, in the morning, they had wine, there were revellers out, I thought she was at least 18,” he added.
Stuart Crawford, there was no conversation on age.
“Well, she had her hand on my leg when I was crouched down, and at times, I just thought it was flirting, so I did the same back,” he stated, outlining what happened.
“I had my hand around her; she carried on with her hand on my leg; I did go up her bra, and then, yeah, I did put my hand down her back going into her knickers.”
When questioned whether he had approached the girl, he answered: “I believe not.” The angle I was seated at was unable to…There is no bending in my arm.
His attorney also asked Stuart Crawford whether he had brought cocaine and presented it to the girl and her friend.
“I avoid [cocaine] since I run the danger of being caught with it,” he stated. “It came from me nowhere.”
He claimed he cannot remember from where the cocaine originated.
“I would have walked out of the alleyway, honestly,” Stuart Crawford said when asked what he would have done if he had known she was 14.
The prosecuting lawyer then cross-examined the defendant, asking Stuart Crawford whether he had touched the genitalia of the girl.
He said: “I was inside her underpants but not inside her…Was I stroking it? No, her companion sat just across from us.
“When I got arrested and learnt of their ages, I felt physically sick and ashamed of myself.”
The jury is expected to retire to review their decisions when the defensive case ends.
UPDATE 18.10.24 – Stuart Crawford Bicester
After a three-day trial concluding on 16 August of this year, Stuart Crawford of Bicester was unanimously convicted by jury verdict of three charges of child penetration assault and one count of attempting to supply cocaine.
Stuart Crawford was acquitted on a single charge of supplying a class A substance, specifically cocaine.
In October 2022, Crawford provided a girl with cocaine and committed sexual assault on her in Bicester.
Stuart Crawford was apprehended on 23 October 2022 and subsequently charged on 24 October of the same year.
Detective Constable Gareth Steward, the investigating officer, stated: “The victim in this case has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience in coming forward to report the abuse, and I would like to express my gratitude for her patience while awaiting justice.”
I am gratified that a jail term has been imposed on this culprit, reflecting the heinous acts Stuart Crawford committed against a kid.
“I wish to assure the public that we will consistently pursue prosecution of individuals who perpetrate sexual offences against children, whether recent or historical.” You will receive support regardless of the passage of time, and we will ensure that offenders are held accountable.
“Individuals wishing to communicate with us may call 101 or submit a report via our website.” Assistance is accessible on our website.
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