KATIE BENNETT FROM THRIFTWOOD EXPOSED AS A GIRL PRETENDING TO BE A BOY IN HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

In a shocking revelation that has left the local community in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, stunned, Katie Bennett, aged 21, was uncovered as a young woman masquerading as a teenage boy to deceive multiple schoolgirls. The deception was so convincing that the girls believed they were in romantic relationships with a boy named Jordan, only to discover the truth after one of them ran away from home, prompting her parents to contact the police.

According to reports from St Alban's Crown Court, Bennett, who resided in Thriftfield, Hemel Hempstead, had adopted the persona of a 15-year-old boy. She kept her hair cut short and called herself Jordan, creating an appearance that convincingly resembled a teenage boy. Over a period of time, she managed to gain the trust of three young girls, engaging them in what they believed were innocent, consensual romantic relationships.

The court heard that Bennett had not only built emotional bonds but also engaged in intimate contact with the girls. She had passionately kissed each of them, and in two instances, she allowed them to remove their bras and touched them inappropriately. These acts of indecency were only uncovered after one girl, feeling distressed, ran away from her home. Her parents, worried about her whereabouts, contacted the police, who then traced her to her supposed boyfriend Jordan.

When police officers questioned the runaway girl, she revealed the details of her encounter with Bennett, expressing her shock and regret. She stated that if she had known Bennett was a girl, she would never have allowed the intimacy to happen. The girl also provided police with the names of two other girls she believed had been dating Bennett, thinking she was a teenage boy. These girls were subsequently interviewed and expressed their horror upon learning they had been deceived.

Prosecutor Miss Jane Bickerstaff explained that all three girls described how Bennett had gradually gained their confidence, leading them into these intimate relationships under false pretenses. The court was told that Bennett's deception was not an isolated incident; in 1997 and 1998, when she was 19, she had also tricked a 14-year-old girl into going on dates with her. After admitting to indecent assault on that girl, Bennett was placed on probation for two years and was required to register on the Sex Offenders Register.

Defending her, Ms Ailsa Williamson highlighted Bennett’s troubled background, stating that she had endured physical and sexual abuse during her childhood. These traumatic experiences contributed to her ongoing issues with her sexuality and gender identity. She explained that Bennett was not attracted to women of her own age or to men, which complicated her emotional and sexual development.

The court was informed that Bennett’s pattern of deception and indecency had serious implications. Judge Findlay Baker QC sentenced her on Wednesday to a three-year community rehabilitation order. This order is intended to allow Bennett to attend a women’s probation hostel, where she will receive counseling and therapy aimed at addressing her psychological issues and preventing further offenses.