WOMAN GETS OFF EASY: Woman avoids jail over sex with 13-year-old neighbour due to ‘exceptional circumstances’.

The judge said the woman, who was in her early 20s when she began a sexual relationship with the 13-year-old, believed she was in love with the boy, whom she gravitated towards because they functioned at similar cognitive levels.

He said she provided a liberal environment for the teen, which included access to drugs, alcohol and freedom, but did not groom him or act in a predatory nature.

“Rather, you were simply attempting to endear yourself to (the boy) as you felt genuine affection towards someone with whom you could relate,” Judge O’Neill said.