‘Sugar daddy’ turned child sex offender: Father, 57, has intercourse with a 15-year-old girl he met on a dating site – but AVOIDS jail because he thought she was an adult
- Peter William Hayles was sentenced in Adelaide District Court earlier this month
- Hayles met his victim on sugar daddy dating website ‘Seeking Arrangements’
- Judge accepted that he believed the victim was 19-year-old university student
A ‘sugar daddy’ who had sex with 15-year-old girl has avoided jail after the judge accepted that he thought the victim was an adult.
Peter William Hayles, 57, was sentenced in Adelaide District Court for unlawful sex with a minor earlier this month.
Hayles met his victim on sugar daddy dating site ‘Seeking Arrangements‘ where she had listed her age as 19, the court was told, according to The Advertiser.
He met with the girl twice for sexual intercourse, paying her $500 and $200 respectively.
A ‘sugar daddy’ who had sex with 15-year-old girl has avoided jail after the judge accepted that he thought the victim was an adult (stock image)
Hayles was hauled before the courts after the victim’s mother saw her using a separate dating site called ‘Sugar Daddy’ and reported it to the police.
The victim’s mobile phone was seized and police discovered the transactions from Hayles.
The court heard Hayles was under the impression the victim was a 19-year-old Flinders University student for the duration of their relationship.
Hayles apologised to the victim and her family and acknowledged his naivety and lack of judgment, the court heard.
Chief Judge Evans told the court he accepted he believed the victim was 19 years old.
Hayles, who had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, was sentenced to an 18-month good behaviour bond.
Chief Judge Evans said people need to be more vigilant when using dating sites and reminded the court young people need to be protected.
‘The prosecution submits that the victim’s youthful appearance and her profile picture should have caused you to be more cautious and that it should have caused you to make further inquiries,’ Chief Judge Evans said.
‘Young people need to be protected from predatory conduct by older people and the adverse physiological and psychological consequences which flow.’
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