GAVIN SAMUELS OF LEIGHTON BUZZARD JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST TEENAGE GIRLS IN BEDFORDSHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Bedfordshire community, Gavin Samuels, a 26-year-old former golf professional from Melfort Drive, Linslade, near Leighton Buzzard, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against teenage girls. The crimes, which spanned several years, involved the abuse of his trusted position at a local golf club, where he exploited young girls under the guise of coaching and mentorship.

According to court records, Samuels was convicted after two separate trials held at Luton Crown Court. The second trial concluded in February of this year, leading to a verdict that found him guilty of four counts of rape and six counts of various sexual assaults involving two girls under the age of 16. Throughout the proceedings, Samuels maintained his innocence, denying all charges brought against him.

Judge Lynn Tayton QC described Samuels as a 'predatory and manipulative' individual, emphasizing the severity of his misconduct. She highlighted that although golf was his passion and career, he was undeterred by the risk of losing his livelihood when he chose to abuse his authority. The judge pointed out that there was evidence of a long-standing pattern of interest in young girls, beginning when Samuels was just 15 years old and continuing until his actions were reported to the police.

The court heard emotional victim impact statements from all three young women affected by his crimes, detailing the profound and lasting impact the abuse has had on their lives. The offences took place over an extended period, from 2006 to 2014. The first victim, who was approximately 12 years old when the abuse started, was just 13 when she was raped by Samuels. She was a family friend, and he would often visit her home to help her with homework, as described by prosecutor Anne Brown.

Subsequent offences involved two other victims, aged between 14 and 16, who were targeted while Samuels was assisting young members at the golf club. He coerced the girls into silence by threatening to ruin his career and even sent one of them inappropriate text messages. The court also heard that he bought cigarettes for the victims in exchange for sexual acts and persuaded one girl to download messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat to facilitate communication and exchange of explicit images.

During the sentencing, Miss Sasha Bailey, representing the defense, acknowledged the seriousness of the crimes, stating, “Golf has been a major part of his life and career. He knows he is going to receive a lengthy sentence.”

Earlier, in March 2017, Samuels was found guilty of multiple child sex offences, including rape and sexual assault, against girls as young as 12. The court described his actions as 'despicable,' highlighting the calculated grooming and abuse over several years. The evidence revealed that he would shower his victims with gifts and messages, further manipulating them into sexual activity despite knowing the illegality of his actions.

He was convicted of a total of 10 crimes across two trials, which included four counts of child rape, two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16, assault by penetration, sexual assault with a child under 16, sexual assault with a child under 13, and attempted sexual activity with a child under 16. Notably, in the August trial, Samuels was acquitted of one count of rape and one count of attempted sexual activity involving the same victim.

Gavin Samuels is now required to register as a sex offender for life and is prohibited from working with children or entering any golf club in Britain where there is a potential for teenage girls to be present. His sentencing is scheduled for April 28, marking the culmination of a case that has profoundly affected the victims and the wider community.