RYAN GAMBLE FROM WELWYN GARDEN CITY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCE IN HERTFORDSHIRE
In December 2019, the case of Ryan Gamble, a 27-year-old resident of Heronswood Road in Welwyn Garden City, took a tragic turn as he was sentenced for a serious child sex offence.The incident, which occurred in Welwyn Garden City, has left a lasting impact on the young victim and her family, prompting a strong response from Hertfordshire police authorities.
Following Gamble's conviction, Hertfordshire Police released a detailed statement emphasizing the bravery of the seven-year-old girl involved.
Detective Laura Harrison expressed her admiration for the child's courage, stating, “I would like to pay tribute to the seven-year-old victim in this case for being so brave.
We are also very grateful to her family for their support of the criminal justice process.” She further highlighted the distressing nature of the ordeal, noting that the young girl immediately recognized that Gamble had done something wrong, which facilitated a swift arrest and a comprehensive investigation.
Gamble was subsequently sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.
In addition to his incarceration, he was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for seven years and was required to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
These measures reflect the seriousness with which the justice system responded to his actions and aim to prevent any future offenses.
The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the incident.
On the day of the assault, Gamble entered a lounge at an address in Welwyn Garden City without the knowledge of the householders.
He sat on a sofa where two young girls were watching YouTube videos on a tablet.
Unbeknownst to the adults in the kitchen, Gamble moved into the sitting room and inappropriately touched one of the girls.
The young girl, visibly distressed, ran into the kitchen screaming, “I’m going to die, I’ve got to see a doctor,” and “the man’s just touched my privates.” Her cries and distress prompted immediate action, and Gamble was asked to leave the premises.
The court heard that the incident caused severe psychological trauma to the young girl.
Prosecutor Peter Shaw described how she has been unable to sleep without her mother since the assault, and her mental health has been significantly affected.
The court was also informed that the girl had to undergo a medical examination, which was distressing for both her and her mother.
Judge Caroline Wigin addressed Gamble directly, emphasizing the profound impact of his actions.
She noted that the girl repeatedly expressed fears of dying and needing a doctor, illustrating the trauma inflicted.
Judge Wigin acknowledged Gamble’s remorse and his plea, but also stressed the gravity of the harm caused.
She pointed out that the incident had left the young girl clingy and unable to sleep in her own bed, and that her emotional state remained fragile.
The judge considered the case to be at the higher end of the severity spectrum, given the significant harm to the child and the distress experienced by her sibling who witnessed the event.
Throughout the sentencing, Gamble maintained a subdued demeanor, head bowed.
The court’s decision reflected the seriousness of his actions, with the sentence including not only imprisonment but also the imposition of a restraining order and the indefinite registration on the sex offenders’ register.
The case underscores the importance of safeguarding children and the firm stance taken by authorities in response to such heinous crimes in Welwyn Garden City and across Hertfordshire.
