CSE victim handed restraining order against whistleblowing councillor

Sarah Wilson (25), who waived her right to lifelong anonymity to publish a book on her ordeal, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court last Friday (17).

Miss Wilson, whose sister Laura was murdered by her boyfriend in 2010, was charged with harassing former youth service leader Jayne Senior with voicemails, text messages and online posts relating Mrs Senior’s book, Broken and Betrayed.

The case was listed for trial last Friday, but on the day of the hearing the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence and the charge was dismissed.

Mrs Susan Fisher, prosecuting, said that although the charge against Miss Wilson, whose address cannot be published for legal reasons, was being dropped, the judge still had the power to make a restraining order.

District Judge Mr Paul Haley said he was aware of the background of the case and believed the “appropriate” way to deal with it was by way of a restraining order on acquittal.

Miss Wilson was ordered not to contact Mrs Senior directly or indirectly, including social media, for three years.

Mrs Senior said: “I’m pleased that it’s done with. 

“It’s time to move on. 

“It’s a horrible position to be in but the last thing I wanted was for anyone to go to prison.”

Miss Wilson was represented by Mr Ian Anderson, of Ison Harrison Solicitors, who said: “The result is a victory for pragmatism and sensibility and we thank the CPS for agreeing to a course of action which reflects the nature of the case and respects Sarah’s wishes. 

“A trial was only likely to cause stress and difficulty for all parties whatever the result. 

“Sarah is pleased to be able to re-focus on campaigning in her long fight for justice.”