Paedophile who sexually assaulted three young boys in East Lancashire jailed for 17 years

A paedophile who sexually assaulted three young boys in East Lancashire has been jailed.

In September 2020, officers received information that Joanna Evans had sexually assaulted three victims.

The youngest victim was just eight years old at the time he was sexually assaulted. All three were under the age of 13.

The offences took place during or before 2020.

Evans, 40, of Castle Street, Swansea, was arrested the day after their offending was reported to us.

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Evans was later charged with assault by penetration of a child and sexual assault by touching of a child.

They were due to stand trial earlier this month but did not attend court.

The trial ran in the defendant’s absence at Burnley Crown Court and Evans was unanimously found guilty of all charges.

Evans was sentenced to 16 years immediate custody and a one-year extended licence period on Friday (May 17).

DC Hannah Brown, from the East Child Protection Team, said: “Evans is a manipulative individual who sexually assaulted the three young victims for sexual gratification.

“The significant sentence handed down by the court reflects the seriousness of the offending Evans engaged in.

“I want to praise the victims in this case who showed immense bravery, having to re-live their ordeal while giving evidence.

“I hope the outcome of this case will encourage other victims to come forward, knowing they will be believed, listened to and that we will do everything in our power to put the perpetrator before the courts.”

If you or somebody you know has been the victim of a sexual offence, report it online via https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/ or call 101.

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.