gareth heasman Sexual Abuser

Note – This is not a case of paedophilia but we still feel he is a danger to young girls and females of all ages January 2013 Jail for man who sexually assaulted sleeping girl and stole her phone Unemployed Gareth James Heasman, 23, of Franklands Village, Hayward’s Heath was given the sentence at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday, 16 January after pleading guilty to sexual assault and theft.

Heasman who was remanded in custody in September following the incident, received an eight year custodial sentence comprising of four years imprisonment with an extension period of four years.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely Following an investigation by British Transport Police (BTP), the court heard how Heasman had approached the 18-year-old victim, who, after a night out drinking had fallen asleep in the waiting room at Hove station in the early hours of Sunday, 2 September 2012.

He sexually assaulted her whilst she was asleep before stealing her mobile phone from her bag.

Hours later, the victim, unaware of the assault, had reported her phone missing to police, and when detectives seized CCTV to investigate the theft, they saw Heasman sexually assault the victim over a period of two hours.

Officers informed the victim of what had happened and an investigation was launched.

Heasman was traced after CCTV images of him were circulated on police intelligence systems.

When questioned and showed footage of the incident, Heasman stated that it was not him in the CCTV.

Upon sentencing, Judge Micheal Lawson QC said: “You interfered with the victim in a disgraceful way.

It was a sustained and disgusting violation of this girl when she was incapable of resisting.

The victim was sexually violated without knowing about it.” Detective Constable Vanessa Cottington, one of the investigating officers said: “Heasman preyed on a lone woman in the early hours and his behaviour and actions were something no one should be subjected to.

“What the victim had to endure is unthinkable and Heasman is now where he belongs for this despicable act – behind bars.

“This sentence highlights the severity with which crimes like this are treated.

BTP takes all allegations of sexual offences extremely seriously and will always seek to catch and prosecute those responsible.” Jo Walker, spokesperson from from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, said: “Travelling by train, bus, taxi or minicab is generally very safe but violent and aggressive incidents do happen, so it is advisable to take a few simple precautions to improve your safety and increase your confidence.”