Trial for teen accused of grooming

19-year-old also denies indecent assault

An Onchan man will stand trial after being accused of grooming a 14-year-old girl.

Jason Haswell, of Windemere Drive, denied the offence during an appearance at Douglas Courthouse.

The 19-year-old also pleaded not guilty to indecently assaulting her on 21 June.

Committal proceedings, where the case is elevated to the Court of General Gaol Delivery, will take place on 13 February; bail was granted until that date.  

Update: A four-day trial has been set for 9 December 2024. 

Update: The case went to trial commencing on 9 December 2024; and on 10 December 2024 an application from the defence for no case to answer was made and was granted by His Honour Deemster Cook.

As a result, the two counts had a not guilty verdict recorded and Mr Haswell was acquitted.