Two young girls have been praised for their bravery after exposing a predatory paedophile in Worksop. Anthony Evans, aged 63, repeatedly targeted primary school-aged children in the area before police intervened in February last year.
One of the victims defied Evans’ chilling order to remain silent and confided in her mother. Encouraged by this, another girl also came forward with distressing accounts of abuse that occurred over several months.
Initially silent during police interviews, Evans later pleaded guilty to multiple serious offences. These included sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault by touching, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and causing a child to watch a sexual act.
On Friday 19 January, Nottingham Crown Court sentenced Anthony Evans to 12 years in prison. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and issued with a sexual harm prevention order to restrict contact with children after his release.
Detective Constable Emily Bucklow commended the victims for their courage throughout what she described as a “very long and difficult” investigation. She referred to Evans as “a predatory sex offender” who underestimated the strength of his victims.
“His victims both found the courage to tell an adult what was happening and later gave compelling testimony when interviewed by police,” said DC Bucklow.
Detective Constable Laura Manley, also involved in the case, added: “Thanks to these girls, Evans has been held to account and other potential victims protected. We hope this case encourages other victims to come forward.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
