Rory Jake Thompson: Jurien Bay man convicted of indecent dealings with minors walks free following sentence

A Jurien Bay man who offered cannabis to a minor in exchange for sex will not face any further jail time after a District Court judge ruled further time in prison was not appropriate. Rory Jake Thompson, 22, was convicted of nine counts of indecently dealing with a child over 13 and under 16, and one count of procuring, inciting, or encouraging a child over 13 years and under 16 years to engage in sexual behaviour. Geraldton District Court last week was told the offences began in February 2023, when Thompson sent several Snapchat messages to a victim, including one which read “sesh for sex”. The court was told this was an offer to provide and smoke cannabis with her in exchange for having sex, to which the victim did not reply. The remaining charges referred to several instances regarding a second victim, where the court was told sex-related acts were performed across an 18-day period in April 2023. The acts included placing his hands on her body, simulating the act of sex, and an open-mouth kiss, but it was understood none of the offences referred to penetration. Both victims were 15 years old at the time. District Court Judge Alan Sefton said in his sentencing that he took into account a character reference from Thompson’s mother, as well as a pre-sentence report. Thompson’s current mental health state, including him seeking psychiatric treatment and receiving medication, was also considered. Judge Sefton said the offending for the first charge, which held a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, had a “predatory aspect” to it but said Thompson was fortunate the victim did not respond to the request as it would have been a much more serious offence. The remaining offences regarding the second victim were at the “low to mid-range”, according to the judge. He noted the victim “was not objecting in particular to the conduct” but said the protection for children under 16 was in place as they did not necessarily understand the significance at the time, but it “often plays out for them later in life”. Thompson’s guilty plea at the fourth appearance offered him a 20 per cent discount, with Mr Sefton taking into account his young age. He also accepted Thompson was remorseful for his actions. The court was told he had been bullied during school, had a substance abuse issue and started using cannabis at 12, alcohol at 13, and methamphetamine about 14. Judge Sefton urged Thompson to seek support to address the issues so he could move on with his life. The judge sentenced Thompson to a total of 18 months in jail for all the offences but backdated it to October 2023, meaning he would not have to serve further jail time. Judge Sefton imposed two lifetime violence restraining orders, banning Thompson from communicating with either victim by any means, unless through a legal representative, or be within 25m of where they live, work or are educated. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)