A man who sexually touched a girl under the age of 14 could be sentenced in Magistrates’ Court this month.

Tnaje Ray, 23, admitted sexually touching the victim and communicating with her for this purpose during an earlier court appearance and his sentencing hearing began yesterday.

The court heard that Ray, from Pembroke, and the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, messaged each other on Instagram and met at Purvis Primary School on February 17, 2025.

The victim’s mother saw her daughter at the school, which was closed when the offence occurred, after the incident and reported the matter to police.

When questioned by officers, Ray said the victim claimed to be 15 years old.

A victim impact statement read in court called Ray a “snake in the grass” and claimed that the girl is now antisocial and goes places only with her mother or other family members.

Prosecutor Karim Nelson told the court that Ray “lured” the victim from her home, but also highlighted his early guilty plea and his young age.

Mr Nelson suggested that Ray be sentenced to two years behind bars, with some of that term suspended, as well as probation for the offence.

Nicole Smith, for Ray, said her client had no previous convictions and was “totally disgusted with himself” for committing the offence.

Magistrate Maria Sofianos adjourned the case to October 23, when the sentencing hearing will continue, and extended Ray’s bail until that time.

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