GERARD ZALEWSKI FROM BAMBER BRIDGE AND DARTFORD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGER

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing threat posed by dangerous sex offenders, Gerard Zalewski, a 32-year-old man originally from Dartford, Kent, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after committing heinous acts against a young girl. Zalewski’s criminal activities spanned multiple countries and involved a pattern of grooming, sexual assault, and exploitation.

Back in December 2016, Zalewski was involved in a serious sexual attack on a 13-year-old girl in Withy Grove Park, located in Bamber Bridge near Preston. The attack was particularly shocking due to the brutal and manipulative nature of his actions. The victim, a vulnerable teenager, had been groomed online over a period of time, during which Zalewski persuaded her to send him explicit images of herself. This grooming process culminated in a meeting arranged in June at a park in Bamber Bridge, where Zalewski subjected her to a sickening assault that lasted several hours.

During the attack, Zalewski engaged in disturbing acts of violence and control. He taped her mouth shut with masking tape, placed a dog collar around her neck, and even wrote the words “rape me” on her leg. He also took photographs of her on his mobile phone, capturing the abuse for his own gratification. The victim’s vulnerability was evident, and the incident was a clear example of his predatory behavior.

Following the assault, Zalewski fled the scene, but law enforcement authorities quickly launched a manhunt. He was eventually arrested in Kent on June 21, after being located following a manhunt. Zalewski’s arrest marked a significant step in bringing him to justice for his crimes in the UK.

In October, Zalewski pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, making indecent photographs of a child, and false imprisonment. His guilty plea paved the way for his sentencing at Preston Crown Court, where he appeared on Tuesday to face the consequences of his actions.

Today, the court sentenced Zalewski to a total of 12 years in prison. Additionally, he was given an extended indeterminate license period, which means he will be subject to ongoing supervision after his release. The sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to the community.

It is important to note that Zalewski is also wanted by the FBI in the United States. He failed to appear at a sentencing hearing on March 29, 2006, after being convicted in absentia for involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in June 2004. Zalewski had pleaded guilty to these charges in November 2004 and was sentenced to serve between 5 and 20 years in a state correctional facility. He was ordered to surrender to custody by March 31, 2006, but he did not comply, leading to an arrest warrant being issued.

Detective Chief Inspector Vicki Evans of Lancashire Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit emphasized the danger Zalewski represented, stating, “Gerard Zalewski is a dangerous and predatory sexual deviant who posed a significant risk to children across the country. He groomed this vulnerable young teenager before arranging to meet her knowing that she was under 16. He then filmed her for his own gratification.” The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to protect children from such predators.