December 2019 Police statement on jailed Welwyn Garden City paedophile Following the sentencing of 27-year-old Ryan Gamble, of Heronswood road, for a child sex offence yesterday Herts Police have given a statement. Herts Police Investigator Laura Harrison said: “I would like to pay tribute to the seven-year-old victim in this case for being so brave. “We are also very grateful to her family for their support of the criminal justice process. “This little girl was put through a horrifying ordeal and knew Mr Gamble had done wrong to her. “She was able to tell her family immediately which led to a quick arrest and a thorough investigation. “We welcome the prison sentence that Gamble deserves. “Gamble is also now subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for seven years and registered as a sex offender.” December 2019 Family’s lives ‘destroyed’ as innocent girl left traumatised after sexual assault A young girl screamed “do I need to see a doctor?” after she was sexually assaulted whilst unsuspecting adults were in a room nearby. Paedophile Ryan Gamble, 27, went into a lounge without the householders knowing and inappropriately touched a young girl as she was watching YouTube videos, a court heard. Her family said the incident has “completely destroyed” their lives, leaving the child unable to sleep without her mother. Gamble appeared at St Albans Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday (December 17) after admitting a single count of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. Prosecutor Peter Shaw told the court Gamble attended an address in Welwyn Garden City where a group of adults were in the kitchen. Gamble moved into the lounge and sat on the sofa where two girls were watching YouTube videos on a tablet. The adults in the kitchen did not realise Gamble had gone into the sitting room. Then, one of the young girls ran into the kitchen screaming “I’m going to die, I’ve got to see a doctor” and “the man’s just touched my privates”. Both girls were “visibly distressed” from what had just happened and Gamble was asked to leave. Mr Shaw explained to the court how the child involved has endured “severe psychological damage” and still cannot sleep without her mother at night. Addressing Gamble, Judge Caroline Wigin said: “The little girl kept repeating ‘I’m going to die, do I need to see a doctor?’ “Because of what you did, she then had to go through the trauma of a medical examination which was clearly distressing to the little girl and her mother. “She has become a clingy child, she still hasn’t started sleeping back in her own bed and when asked to describe how she is feeling she closes up. “I’ve taken into account what I consider to be a significant effect on this little girl’s mental health. “I’m going to give you credit for the plea and I’m satisfied that you showed true remorse and have an understanding of what you have done.” When considering the sentencing criteria, Judge Wigin said: “Because of the significant amount of harm done to this child and the presence of the other child who shared that distress, it seems to me that this falls at the top of this bracket.” Gamble, of Heronswood Road, Welwyn Garden City, held his head low for the majority of the sentencing. He was jailed for two years and eight months and made subject of a seven year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and a restraining order. He will also be added to the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.