By Adam Dutton 

A former cheerleading coach from Coalville - who engaged in sexual activity with a teenage schoolgirl while they were away at competitions - has been jailed for 10 years.

Rosanna Awan, 34, carried out the "predatory" sex offences while she was a cheerleading coach aged in her 20s.

A court heard she befriended the 13-year-old victim after she started giving her lifts to and from cheer practice in Leicestershire. 

The schoolgirl was taken to competitions out of the county by Awan and shared hotel rooms with her when away at competitions, often sharing a bed. 

Awan first began abusing her victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, by touching her inappropriately under her clothing.

Later, on a trip to France to watch a cheerleading competition, Awan began to engage in sexual activity with the girl.

This led to frequent meetings between the pair, either at the defendant's home or at the homes of her relatives.

Leicestershire Police launched an investigation after the offences were reported to them in 2019. 

Awan was found guilty of five counts of sexual activity following a trial at Leicester Crown Court in October and jailed for 10 years earlier this month.

She was convicted of four counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Awan was also made the subject of a 10-year restraining order and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. 

She will also be a registered sex offender for life.

Detective Constable Catherine Anderson said after the case: "This case involved a person in a position of trust taking advantage of a person in their care, and Awan's behaviour towards her young victim was predatory.

"I'm so pleased the victim came forward to report her behaviour, recognising it for what it was many years later.

"I'd urge anyone in the same position to come forward. We will take your reports seriously and investigate thoroughly."

Detective Sergeant Rob Buckley added: "The victim was so brave to come forward and has remained so throughout the lengthy legal proceedings, I commend her for that.

"This is a significant sentence and DC Anderson worked tirelessly to ensure this case went through the criminal justice system, getting justice for the victim."

The victim, now 27, said: "Thanks again to Rob and Catherine, I couldn't have done it without you both."

ENDS