BRIAN EDWARDS FROM BARLASTON SENTENCED FOR ABUSING SCHOOLGIRL IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a case that has shocked the local community, Brian Edwards, a resident of Barlaston, has been sentenced to prison for the sexual abuse of a young girl in Stoke-on-Trent. The incident, which took place several years ago, came to light when the victim, now an adult, finally felt able to report the distressing events in November 2013.

According to court proceedings, Edwards, aged 30 at the time of sentencing, had previously been convicted of indecent assault involving a boy. The recent charges stemmed from an incident where he indecently assaulted a girl who was only seven or eight years old at the time. The court heard that Edwards had sat the young girl on his knee and asked her to touch his private parts, an act that caused lasting trauma to the victim.

The court was informed that the abuse occurred when the girl’s mother often took her to a flat in Stoke-on-Trent. During these visits, while the adults were in one room, the young girl would play on a computer in a spare room. It was during one of these visits that Edwards entered the property and engaged in the disturbing act. Prosecutor Kevin Grego described the incident, stating, “The defendant had come into the property, manoeuvred his trousers down to his thighs, and then started playing with himself. He then asked her to touch his private parts. The abuse probably lasted around five minutes.”

The victim confided in her partner about the abuse in 2013 before formally reporting it to the police. During police interviews, Edwards denied any involvement or knowledge of the incident. However, he later pleaded guilty to the charge of indecency with a child during his trial in February.

In mitigation, defense lawyer Catherine O’Reilly highlighted that Edwards was under 18 when the offence occurred. She described him as reckless and immature at the time, noting that he was drinking alcohol excessively and taking cannabis. O’Reilly emphasized that Edwards has since expressed genuine remorse and deep regret for the harm caused. She pointed out that he has since married and become a father, asserting that he is a different person from the young man who committed the offence many years ago.

Judge David Fletcher, who presided over the case, lifted the reporting restrictions that had been imposed to protect Edwards’ anonymity. Addressing the court, the judge stated, “Your victim was a little girl and was vulnerable. What you did clearly has had a long-lasting effect on her and continues to do so to this day.”

Edwards was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. The judge also ordered that he serve half of the sentence in custody, with the remainder on licence. Additionally, Edwards will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.