Former Parkway Drive merch manager who had sex with minor avoids jail

Jed Daniel Gordon, the former merchandise manager for the metalcore band Parkway Drive and brother of drummer Ben Gordon, has avoided jail after pleading guilty to having sexual intercourse with a minor. The 45-year-old was sentenced in Byron Bay Local Court.

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Hey, I've seen you around, I think you are cute, we should meet up some time xjedx.

Gordon pleaded guilty in March to the offense of having sexual intercourse with a person aged 14 or over but under 16. The maximum penalty in New South Wales for this crime is 10 years imprisonment, or 12 years if aggravating circumstances are present. He received a three-year community corrections order and was mandated to complete 300 hours of community service. Additionally, he was issued a two-year apprehended violence order and placed on the child protection register.

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The sexual and emotional abuse that he subjected me to has hindered my ability to navigate romantic, platonic, family and professional relationships.

The victim, who is now in her late 30s, watched the sentencing via audio-visual link. In a victim impact statement, she described the lasting trauma and shame caused by Gordon's actions. She stated that the sexual and emotional abuse hindered her ability to navigate relationships and led to further re-victimization. She also noted an inability to care for herself and her children adequately.

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Because of this I have experienced re-victimisation in emotionally abusive relationships, domestic violence or sexual harassment, assault and rape multiple times.

The charges relate to incidents that took place between November 1, 2002, and July 11, 2003. At the time, the victim was 15 years old, and Gordon was in his early twenties. According to agreed facts, Gordon initiated contact via text message, expressing interest in meeting the complainant. They met in Apex Park, Byron Bay, and later drove to Tallow Beach, where sexual intercourse occurred. The facts indicate that this act was repeated on several occasions between 2002 and 2003, always initiated by Gordon via text. In April 2003, Gordon expressed concern about a broken condom and took the victim to a hospital for emergency contraception.

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I have been unable to care and provide for my children in the capacity that they deserve, as well as being unable to care for myself.