GARETH EVANS JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON VULNERABLE TEENAGER IN LEICESTER
In a case that has shocked the community of Leicester, Gareth John Evans, aged 26, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl he had groomed through social media.The incident took place in July 2010, but the repercussions and legal proceedings culminated recently at Leicester Crown Court.
According to court reports, Evans, who resides on Dunbar Road in the Northfields area of Leicester, initiated contact with the victim via Facebook.
The girl, who was described as having learning difficulties and no prior sexual experience, was vulnerable and impressionable.
Evans used flattery to gain her trust, telling her she was “cute and sexy,” and expressed a desire to meet her to seek advice about his girlfriend.
On the evening of July 6, 2010, Evans arranged to meet the girl near her home in Leicester at around 6 pm.
The two initially went to a local park, but Evans claimed he did not want to be seen because of his relationship issues.
The girl, feeling upset about her exams, suggested they move to a nearby alleyway to talk.
During this encounter, she confided in Evans about her distress, and he responded by giving her a comforting cuddle, which was reportedly the first time anyone had shown her such affection.
However, the situation took a darker turn as Evans began to kiss the girl on her neck, cheeks, and lips.
The court heard that he then sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions during this meeting.
The victim, who had no previous sexual experience, was left deeply distressed and feeling betrayed.
She later testified that she felt she had been taken advantage of and that her trust in others had been shattered.
Judge Simon Hammond, presiding over the case, emphasized the gravity of Evans’s actions, stating, “He took advantage of a vulnerable young female for sexual gratification.
Vulnerable females need to be protected from sexual predators.” The judge also highlighted that during the trial, the victim was visibly distressed and expressed her feelings of insecurity and fear following the assault.
Following the incident, Evans took steps to conceal his involvement by changing his mobile phone number the very next day, attempting to sever any link to the victim.
Despite denying the sexual assault charges on two occasions, Evans was convicted by a jury on both counts by an 11-1 majority verdict.
He continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Prosecutor Julie Warburton pointed out that the victim, who previously attended a special needs school, believed Evans targeted her because of her vulnerabilities.
As part of his sentence, Evans will be placed on the sex offender register for life and subject to a sex offences prevention order, which will allow authorities to monitor his future use of computers and online activity to prevent further offenses.
