ARVIN ODELL'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT NEAR BRAUNSTONE PARK IN LEICESTER
In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Leicester, a young girl narrowly escaped a sexual assault by a local dance instructor.The event unfolded early in the morning near Braunstone Park, a well-known area in Leicester, on Thursday, September 23, 2021, around 7:40 am.
According to court reports, an 11-year-old girl was walking alone to school along Overpark Avenue in Braunstone when she first noticed a man following her.
The man, later identified as Arvin Odell, a 20-year-old resident of Gooding Avenue in Braunstone, had been walking behind her for some time.
Witnesses and police investigations revealed that Odell crossed the street to the opposite side, appeared to hesitate, then crossed back and crouched down before suddenly rushing toward the young girl.
Prosecutors described how Odell, who is currently studying at Leicester’s De Montfort University and also teaches dance to children as young as five, targeted the girl deliberately.
The court heard that Odell followed her with intent, choosing his moment to approach her when she was most vulnerable and alone.
The girl, visibly frightened, reported feeling worried and scared as Odell touched her under her skirt, an assault that she described as terrifying and unexpected.
She was in her school uniform, walking to her educational institution at the time.
Leicestershire Police responded swiftly after the incident.
Later that morning, officers went to Odell’s residence on Gooding Avenue in Braunstone and took him into custody.
He remained in police custody until his court appearance.
The case was subsequently transferred to Leicester Crown Court, given the severity of the charges and the potential for a more substantial sentence.
Odell appeared before Leicester Magistrates’ Court the following day, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of 'sexual assault by touching of a girl under 13.' The court heard that Odell’s actions were driven by a personal 'fetish,' which he admitted to during the proceedings.
Due to the seriousness of the offense, the case was sent to the Crown Court for sentencing, which has greater powers to impose penalties.
Judge Mark Watson presided over the case and decided to release Odell on a community order rather than remanding him in custody.
The judge emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and ordered Odell to work with the probation service to prevent any future offending.
This decision was met with mixed reactions, considering the gravity of the crime.
Prosecutor Lynsey Knott provided detailed testimony about the incident, describing how Odell had been observed following the girl and then approaching her at a vulnerable moment.
She highlighted that Odell, who is involved in teaching dance to young children, admitted to having a fetish for legs, which was a motivating factor behind his actions.
The case has raised concerns about safety and the conduct of individuals working with children in Leicester, prompting calls for increased vigilance and safeguarding measures.
