'Monster' former soldier locked up for sexually abusing young girls - including in Telford

Gareth Evans-Balmforth, 52, of Fulstow, Fulstow Top, Lincolnshire, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court earlier this week.

Evans-Balmforth was found guilty after a trial of a string of sickening offences against three victims who were all under 16.

They included four counts of gross indecency with a child, four charges of inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency, one count of assaulting a girl by touching, one count of sexual assault on a female, one count of attempted sexual assault by penetration, three counts of exposure, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

The court was told that the offences had taken place over the course of 20 years, including in Telford.

The court heard that Evans-Balmforth started his offending while he was a serving army officer and was based in Shropshire and Yorkshire.

Addressing Evans-Balmforth directly Judge Anthony Lowe, who presided over the trial, said: “It does not really need to be said how serious these offences are.”

He spoke of the lasting impact of the abuse and the long-term effects of the twisted crimes.

The court had earlier heard moving statements from Evans-Balmforth’ victims who bravely told the judge of the impact of the 52-year-old’s offending.

One explained of the emotional toll of reporting the crimes - specifically how she had been told there would be no further action by police after her initial report.

Another described Evans-Balmforth as a “monster”.

Debra White, mitigating for the defendant, he had served in The Army for 13 years - including active service.

She said: “He has served for his country and that is something despite these actions your honour should rightly take into account.”

Ms White added that he had experienced PTSD as a result of his service.

Judge Lowe said he believed Evans-Balmforth is at “substantial risk” of reoffending and jailed him for a total of 18 years.

Evans-Balmforth will be on the sex offenders register for life, and was made the subject of a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order by Judge Lowe during the sentencing hearing.

Following the hearing Detective Constable Rhian Jackson, who investigated the case, said: “I welcome yesterday’s sentence of 18 years’ imprisonment for Evans-Balmforth for these appalling offences.

“I would like to pay tribute to the victims, whose courage and resilience throughout this investigation and court process has been remarkable. By coming forward, they have helped ensure he has been held accountable for his actions.”

She added: “The impact of his offending on the victims cannot be underestimated.

“I hope this sentence provides them with a sense of justice and helps them as they continue to move forward with their lives.”