GIVEMORE GEZI FROM PAIGNTON GUILTY OF SEXUALLY GROOMING VULNERABLE TEEN IN DEVON
In December 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving a mental health crisis worker from South Devon who was found guilty of engaging in sexual misconduct with a vulnerable teenage girl.The individual in question, Givemore Gezi, aged 40 and residing on Maidenway Road in Paignton, faced serious allegations related to his professional conduct while working with young people suffering from mental health issues.
Initially, Gezi denied all ten charges brought against him, which included accusations of sexual activity with a minor and abuse of a person with a mental disorder by a care worker.
He was standing trial at Exeter Crown Court, where the proceedings took a significant turn after the prosecution presented its opening statements.
On the third day of the trial, Gezi chose to change his plea, admitting to the charges of sexual activity with a child and with a person with a mental disorder.
The court was told that Gezi exploited his position of trust to manipulate and groom the teenage girl.
Prosecutor Ms.
Heather Hope outlined how Gezi used his role as a crisis worker to take advantage of the girl’s vulnerability.
She explained that instead of providing genuine help and support, Gezi manipulated her by making her feel 'special,' which was a tactic to gain her trust and emotional dependence.
The prosecution emphasized that Gezi exerted emotional control over his victim, exploiting her feelings and trust for his own sexual gratification.
Ms.
Hope further detailed that the girl’s school became aware of the inappropriate conduct and reported it to the police.
Following this, Gezi allegedly attempted to obstruct justice by advising the girl to withdraw her accusations, an act that further demonstrated his intent to conceal his misconduct.
Gezi’s role as a mental health crisis worker placed him in close contact with young individuals facing mental health challenges.
His primary responsibility was to safeguard children from harm, including abuse and exploitation.
However, during the course of the alleged offending, Gezi was demoted from his position as team leader due to poor timekeeping and incomplete paperwork.
Despite this demotion, he continued to work at a lower grade and persisted in abusing the girl, exploiting her vulnerabilities and her distrust of authority figures for his own sexual benefit.
The prosecution highlighted that the girl believed she could trust Gezi, unaware of his true intentions.
Ms.
Hope stated that Gezi’s manipulation was rooted in exploiting her naivety and lack of understanding, which made her an easy target.
The court heard that Gezi’s actions were a gross breach of the trust placed in him as a care professional.
Givemore Gezi is scheduled to be sentenced on the following Wednesday, with the court expected to consider the full extent of his misconduct and the impact on his victim.
The case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people and the devastating consequences when those entrusted with their care abuse their position.
