JAYANAKA KARIYAWASAM FROM HUYTON SENTENCED AFTER BLINDFOLD HOTEL SEX ASSAULT

In June 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Jayanaka Kariyawasam, a resident of Liverpool Road, Huyton, who was convicted of orchestrating a calculated and predatory sexual assault at a hotel. The case, which drew significant attention at Liverpool Crown Court, revealed a pattern of manipulative behavior and meticulous planning aimed at deceiving a teenage girl.

According to court proceedings, the victim, a teenage girl whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, had previously rejected the advances of Kariyawasam. Despite being warned by police to cease all contact, Kariyawasam persisted in his pursuit. He took to Facebook, creating a false persona under the name ‘Charlie’ in an attempt to re-establish communication with her. His efforts included sending explicit images, notably a photograph of a white man’s genitals, and expressing a desire for their initial meeting to focus on sensation and touch, which was part of his scheme to lure her into a trap.

His plan culminated in convincing her to meet at a hotel, where he arranged to meet her under false pretenses. Evidence presented in court indicated that he left a room key in a bush outside the hotel, suggesting premeditation. When the victim entered the room, she recognized his voice, and Kariyawasam admitted, “I’m not Charlie, I’m Jay,” revealing his true identity.

During the encounter, Kariyawasam began a sexual assault that only ceased when the victim started bleeding and repeatedly asked him to stop. The court heard that she was overwhelmed and distressed, and her pleas were ignored until he finally halted his attack. The incident was reported after the victim contacted her mother, who then called the police. The police investigation uncovered that Kariyawasam had sent over 200 emails to the girl within just two days, demonstrating his obsessive and relentless pursuit.

Prosecutor Arthur Gibson highlighted the extent of Kariyawasam’s manipulative tactics, including his jealousy when he seized her phone after she spoke to someone else. His actions were described as “extraordinary” and “meticulously planned,” emphasizing the calculated nature of his conduct. The court also noted that Kariyawasam’s reaction upon revealing his identity was driven not by remorse but by a desire to ruin her life, believing she had previously caused him harm.

Sentencing, Recorder Rowena Goode described the case as highly unusual and emphasized the seriousness of the offense. Kariyawasam was sentenced to three years in prison, and he was also handed an indefinite restraining order. Additionally, he is required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the court’s commitment to public safety.