Mother describes 'heartbreaking' impact after child was exploited for sexual gratification

“I feel like I have lost my son, he isn’t the same person he was before and I don’t think he will ever be.” 

These are the words of a mother whose teenage son was exploited by a woman for sexual gratification.

The boy was under 16 years old when Katy Thompson, who was in her 40s, got to know him and on becoming aware of his vulnerabilities then used her knowledge to befriend him.

This led to text messages being discovered by the victim’s family in June last year between Thompson and the victim which suggested that Thompson and the victim had met and taken part in sexual activity when he had turned 16. The messages also suggested that Thompson had paid him.

Yesterday (Tuesday 20 June) at Leicester Crown Court Thompson, 43, of Priory Road, Wellingborough, was jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty at a hearing in April to paying for sexual services of a child.

She was also made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a five-year restraining order.

The incidents which took place between July 2021 and June last year have left a massive impact on the victim and his family. His mother told officers that they have lost the once outgoing and vibrant son they had and been left with a son who has shut himself off from the world.

She said: “It’s heart breaking to see the impact Thompson’s actions have had on my son and the whole family. Our family life has been turned upside down. He’s cut himself off from us and many of his friends.

“He is withdrawn and spends most of his time in his bedroom.  He struggles to open up to people. He’s confrontational as that’s the only way he can release his emotions.

“When we came across those text messages last summer we didn’t realise the true impact of what the investigation subsequently uncovered.

“He has absolutely no interest in his future career – one that he was passionate about achieving – he has lost interest in achieving any qualifications or a career of any sorts.

“Thompson has robbed my son of everything and I hope she realises the impact her actions have had and will continue to have on our lives.”

Detective Constable Lauren-Anne Speight was the investigating officer. She said: “Thompson knew exactly what she was doing and that her actions were not right. She worked to gain information that then led to her committing these offences.  She knew the victim was vulnerable but that didn’t deter her.

“We are pleased she pleaded guilty to the offence at the earliest opportunity and spared the victim and his family the ordeal of having to relive the events of last year again in the court room.

“The victim and his family have shown immense bravery throughout the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. Coming forward and reporting the incidents to the police was in no way easy for them, especially given the impact those enquiries would have on their son.

“However, despite that, the family supported our enquiries and wanted to help us to ensure justice was done and Thompson was made to pay for her actions.”