MANSFIELD PAEDOPHILE SAREL MERWE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF UNDERAGE GIRL
A man from Mansfield who sexually abused a young girl and caused lasting trauma has been sentenced in court.Sarel Van Der Merwe, 41, of Carter Lane, pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and two charges of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Prosecutor Ian West explained that Van Der Merwe admitted to police that the abuse occurred on three occasions, shortly after the victim disclosed the incident to her teacher.
The court was told that Van Der Merwe kissed and sucked her breasts, touched her private parts, and made her masturbate him to ejaculation.
A statement from the victim's mother detailed the ongoing psychological impact.
She described how unexpected triggers can cause flashbacks, with her daughter seeing Van Der Merwe as a black figure in crowded places.
On one occasion, the girl cried out, "It's there, it's there, it's coming for me," illustrating her fear.
The mother also revealed her daughter's fear was so intense she was left paralyzed.
Because her daughter kept seeing black figures in reflections, the family had to remove all mirrors from their home.
The victim has also attempted self-harm, once locking herself in the bathroom with a knife.
Her mother added, "She mainly stresses about being gotten by him.
She is physically exhausted by the whole experience.
This has ruined her childhood." Mitigation lawyer Gregor Purcell highlighted Van Der Merwe’s previously good character and acknowledged that he had made admissions early on.
"He knows he should never have behaved in the way he did.
There is nothing he can do to put right what he has done wrong here," he said.
Mr.
Purcell stated Van Der Merwe has taken responsibility and sought help to address his offending through offence-focused work, which aims to reduce the risk he poses.
Judge Gregory Dickinson QC, the Recorder of Nottingham, addressed Van Der Merwe directly, stating, "This is serious sexual abuse.
You used her as a sexual plaything.
It has ruined her childhood.
In some ways, this will stay with her for the rest of her life." Van Der Merwe was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison and was also given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
Detective Constable Kate Waters of Nottinghamshire Police commented, "Van Der Merwe has now been jailed for his crimes, and I hope this offers some closure for the victim, who showed incredible courage in coming forward.
It also brings relief to her family, who have been affected by his actions." She added a message to potential victims: "If incidents of sexual abuse have occurred, even some time ago, please speak to us.
We will listen and conduct a full investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
We encourage anyone with concerns to contact an officer or call 101 to report any incidents of sexual abuse."
