A predatory female cheerleading coach has been jailed for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old schoolgirl after she befriended her by offering lifts to competitions.
Rosanna Awan, 34, carried out the offences while in her 20s which included touching the schoolgirl inappropriately under her clothing and engaging in sexual activity with her.
The predator had been found guilty of five counts of sexual activity following a trial at Leicester Crown Court in October and was jailed for 10 years yesterday on her 34th birthday.
Awan first began abusing the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, by touching her inappropriately under her clothing.
The schoolgirl was taken to competitions out of the county and they slept in the same hotel room while away at competitions, often sharing a bed.
Later, on a trip to France to watch a cheerleading competition, Awan began to engage in sexual activity with the girl.
This led to frequent meetings between the pair, either at the defendant’s home or at the homes of her relatives.
Leicestershire Police launched an investigation after the offences were reported to them in 2019.
A predatory female cheerleading coach has been jailed for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old schoolgirl after she befriended her by offering lifts to competitions
Awan (pictured) first began abusing the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, by touching her inappropriately under her clothing
Read More
Female Facebook predator who abducted and sexually assaulted schoolgirl is jailed
Awan was convicted of four counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
She was also made the subject of a 10 year restraining order and a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be a registered sex offender for life.
Detective Constable Catherine Anderson said after the case: ‘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.
‘I’m so pleased the victim came forward to report her behaviour, recognising 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.’
Detective Sergeant 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.’
The victim, now 27, said: ‘Thanks again to Rob and Catherine, I couldn’t have done it without you both.’