Locations
Penalverne Crescent, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18
Description
James Wadhawan has been jailed for sexual offences involving a teenage girl in Lancing.
Wadhawan, 35, of Penalverne Crescent in Penzance, was issued with a Child Abduction Warning Notice (CAWN) in January, 2024, following reports of inappropriate contact with teenager.
On Saturday, 9 March, 2024, police received a report of Wadhawan having been seen with the victim in Lancing.
Officers engaged with the girl and her family, while Wadhawan was arrested later that evening. He was released on bail with strict conditions while further enquiries were carried out.
On Wednesday, 13 March, 2024, Wadhawan was found again with the girl on a bridge in Lancing and arrested.
He was charged with two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 and one count of child abduction, and remanded in custody.
Wadhawan pleaded guilty to all charges at Lewes Crown Court on 12 May and, at Hove Trial Centre on Tuesday (1 July), was jailed for 10 years, given an indefinite restraining order against the victim and will be a registered sex offender for life.
Detective Chief Inspector Mehdi Fallahi said:
“James Wadhawan is a predatory offender who targeted a young girl for his own vile gratification”.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the victim and her family for their bravery and unwavering commitment throughout the investigation, which played a vital role in putting a dangerous man behind bars. I would also like to commend Investigator Sophie Williams on her diligent investigation.
“Sussex Police remains committed to protecting women and girls, which includes close work with our partners to ensure young people are safe from grooming and exploitation."