A judge said he felt able to spare Thornton jail as the case represented an 'exceptional set of circumstances'. The judge also heard Thornton has since turned his life around and rehabilitated himself, the Manchester Evening News reports. Thornton told her he was 16, despite him being aged 22 at the time. The court was told the girl 'fell in love' with Thornton, and they agreed to meet up. "Rarely can I say this, I am fully satisfied that you will continue to live a decent, law abiding life."

Source: Daily Mirror June 29, 2020 19:41 UTC