RONALD EVANS FROM BIRMINGHAM AND WHITBY JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRL

In October 2001, a highly decorated paramedic from North Yorkshire, Ronald Desmond Evans, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a schoolgirl over a period of several years. The court heard that Evans, aged 47 at the time, had manipulated and exploited a young girl, turning her into his 'sexual plaything' during their encounters.

Evans, who was awarded the Queen's Medal for good conduct and long service, had a disturbing pattern of abusing the girl during his lunch breaks. To facilitate his illicit activities, he purchased a camper van equipped with curtains, allowing him to carry out his abuse in privacy. The court was told that Evans introduced the girl to a sex aid and showed her pornographic material, further corrupting her during their secret meetings.

At the time of his arrest, Evans was residing without a fixed address, having severed ties with his previous life. He pleaded guilty to one charge of rape and four counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl of secondary school age. Judge Paul Hoffman addressed Evans directly, stating, 'There are sadly two sides to you. Outwardly, you are a man of eminently good character, and I take into account your service to the community. But behind closed doors, it has to be said, you were a child molester.' The judge emphasized that Evans had used his position and trust to satisfy his lust over at least three years, during which he systematically exploited the girl.

In addition to his prison sentence, Evans was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. During the court proceedings, Evans expressed remorse, telling his barrister, Dan Edwards, 'I deserve every day, I deserve it.'

Prosecutor David Bradshaw revealed that the abuse began when the girl was too young to understand what was happening and gradually became a compulsive habit for Evans. The court was informed that Evans engaged in unprotected sex with the girl, claiming he could not cause pregnancy because he had undergone a vasectomy. The girl eventually confided in a teacher, prompting social services to become involved.

Evans admitted to police that he used his lunch breaks for his sexual sessions. His lawyer, Dan Edwards, stated that Evans had gone to the police voluntarily after learning that the girl had reported him, and he had confessed to the misconduct. Despite his long service as a paramedic, which earned him the Queen's Medal, Evans's career was effectively ended when he was suspended from duty following the allegations. He had joined the North Yorkshire Ambulance Service in 1997, coming from Birmingham, and was based in the Whitby area at the time of his arrest. The service has since terminated his employment.

Judge Hoffman highlighted the severity of the case, condemning Evans's actions and emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved in abusing a minor. Evans's case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the devastating impact of such abuse.