BENJAMIN POOLMAN SHOCKS RAMSEY AND LOUGHBOROUGH WITH SEX OFFENSES ON YOUNG GIRL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Loughborough and Ramsey, Benjamin Poolman, aged 23, faced serious allegations related to the sexual abuse of a young girl. The incident, which occurred in Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, dates back to 2008, and the repercussions of the case have been felt deeply by those involved.

Poolman was charged with multiple serious sexual offences, including the rape of a girl under the age of 13, sexual assault of a child under 13 by penetration, sexual assault of a child under 13, three counts of sexual activity with a child, and indecent assault. These charges led to a lengthy trial at Peterborough Crown Court, where the defendant faced intense scrutiny.

During the proceedings, the court found Poolman not guilty of some of the charges but accepted his guilty plea on two specific counts: sexual assault of a child under 13 by penetration and sexual assault of a child under 13. The court was informed that the offences took place in Ramsey in 2008, with Poolman admitting to licking, sexually touching, and penetrating the victim multiple times during that period.

The victim, who was between 10 and 13 years old at the time, disclosed the abuse in April 2015, prompting immediate police intervention. The investigation revealed the disturbing details of the abuse, which had remained hidden for years.

In sentencing, Cambridge Crown Court handed down a 16-month prison sentence to Poolman, but this was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offence within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid community work and participate in a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement aimed at addressing his behavior.

Furthermore, Poolman was disqualified from working with children and was fined £250 to contribute towards court costs. The case also brought to light a prior incident in December 2013, when Poolman was arrested in Loughborough on suspicion of rape. During the police investigation into that allegation, another girl came forward with similar claims. However, after review, the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was insufficient evidence to proceed to trial on those charges.

Overall, the case highlights the serious nature of child sexual abuse and the ongoing efforts of the justice system to address such heinous crimes, even when they involve complex and lengthy investigations spanning several years.