A female British cheerleader coach has been caged for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl while they were away at weekend competitions.
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Cops say that predator coach Rosanna Awan, 34, began her seduction by giving the schoolgirl rides to and from cheerleading practices. But soon, her inclinations became clear.
At out-of-town competitions, Awan would stay in the same hotel room as the victim sharing a bed. Investigators said that Awan ramped up her grooming.
Court heard that the first time Awan sexually abused the girl was during a trip to France to watch a cheerleading competition.
Following their French trip, they returned to the United Kingdom. The girl would often visit Awan’s home or houses belonging to relatives and engage in illicit sex.
Awan was convicted of four counts of sexual activity with a child. She has now been caged for 10 years.
She was also found guilty of one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity at Leicester Crown Court. In addition, Awan was made subject to a 10-year restraining order banning contact with the victim.
She will also have to sign the sex offenders register for life and was handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The sexual activity occurred when Awan was in her early 20s. The victim, now 27, thanked the detectives who brought Awan to justice.
“I couldn’t have done it without you both,” she said.
But detectives thanked the fearless young woman for her courage and coming forward.
“This case involved a person in a position of trust taking advantage of a person in their care, and Awan’s behaviour towards her young victim was predatory,” Det.-Const. Catherine Anderson told reporters.
“I’m so pleased the victim came forward to report her behaviour, recognizing it for what it was many years later. I’d urge anyone in the same position to come forward. We will take your reports seriously and investigate thoroughly.”
Her partner, Det.-Sgt. Rob Buckley, added: “The victim was so brave to come forward and has remained so throughout the lengthy legal proceedings. I commend her for that. This is a significant sentence and DC Anderson worked tirelessly to ensure this case went through the criminal justice system, getting justice for the victim.”