RICKY WARD

DESFORD MAN JAILED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF 14-YEAR-OLD

A man was convicted of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy he met through online interactions.

Ricky Ward, 37 years old from St Martin's Drive, Desford, faced 16 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

He met the victim on seven separate occasions over several months, during which he sometimes entered the boy's home without permission while his parents were asleep to carry out sexual acts.

Similar incidents occurred when the boy stayed with his grandparents.

At Leicester Crown Court, the prosecution read a victim statement in which the young person detailed feelings of fear, anger, and anxiety linked to the abuse.

The statement also revealed how Ward demanded explicit photographs and caused long-term emotional distress.

Ward denied knowing the boy’s actual age, claiming he thought the boy was 16, but the judge highlighted evidence from text messages indicating he was aware the boy was under 16 and continued the relationship nonetheless.

He was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, with two-thirds of that to be served in custody, and was mandated to sign the sex offenders register.

Additionally, he was ordered to be restricted from internet access and from having contact with boys under 16 indefinitely.