Transgender groomer raped youngster a number of instances in ‘calculated’ abuse over a number of years
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: James Groves, 51, who also goes by the name April, was sentenced to 20 years and six months for several offences after ‘calculated’ abuse
James Groves has been jailed for several offences (Image: Avon & Somerset Police)
A ‘manipulative offender’ who groomed a young girl before subjecting her to severe sexual abuse has been jailed. James Groves, 51, from Little Stoke, South Gloucestershire, was handed a sentence of 20 years and six months in prison for multiple offences at Bristol Crown Court last Friday (September 18).
Groves – who also uses the name April – was found unanimously guilty by a jury of 19 separate historic offences against their victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
These included nine counts of rape, and the conviction followed a trial at the same court on June 5. Groves will also be under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for an indefinite period.
Groves was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court(Image: PA)
The crimes came to light after Groves was arrested for inappropriate communication with a minor. The victim then disclosed that she had been sexually abused and raped by Groves over several years, reports Bristol Live.
Groves was subsequently arrested for these offences while in custody.
An extensive investigation was conducted, and specialist support services were arranged for the victim. Groves was then charged on 18 October last year.
The full list of offences Groves was convicted of:
- Four counts of the rape of a child (contrary to section 5 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
- Four counts of sexual assault against a child.
- Two counts of assault of a child by penetration.
- Five counts of rape (contrary to section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
- Two counts of assault by penetration.
- One count of the possession of indecent photographs of a child.
- Attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child.
- Carrying out acts intended to pervert the course of public justice.
Groves’ victim described the impact of the offending on her, saying: “I felt that because Groves groomed me, I did not realise how serious what was going on was. They built up a relationship with me, and, in my head, I did not feel like it was enough for me to contact the police.
“People have said to me that I am not the bright, bubbly girl I once was, and I am just a shell of my former self. I don’t remember chunks of my childhood because of what Groves did, and this is because of the trauma I have been through.
“I have lost my childhood because of what they did, and I will never get it back.”
Det Con Ben Perrett, from our Criminal Investigations Department (CID), said: “This has been an extremely distressing case involving the sustained abuse of a vulnerable young girl, who was targeted and manipulated by the offender over several years.
“Groves’ actions demonstrate a calculated pattern of grooming designed to gain trust and exert control. I would like to commend the victim for her exceptional bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation.
“Her courage has been instrumental in securing this conviction and preventing further harm. I hope this result sends a clear message that we take offences of this nature extremely seriously. We will work tirelessly to protect vulnerable individuals and bring those responsible to justice.”
