Man who groomed and sexually abused a teenage girl jailed for over nine years

In October 2020 the parents of a 14-year-old girl raised suspicions about their daughter’s relationship with Orton.

The parents believed Orton, 25, also known as Danielle Rose Gemini, who was identifying as a woman, was in a sexual relationship with their daughter.

In June last year, the victim provided information about her relationship with Orton.

Detective Constable Sarah Le Boutillier was the investigating officer. She said: “Orton used the victim’s vulnerability for their own gain and not only groomed the victim, but also her parents who believed Orton was a genuine friend.

“Throughout our interviews, Orton refused to accept that there was any wrongdoing and that they were in fact the victim. The claims were unfounded.

“This was a complex and lengthy investigation; the initial report was made to the police more than two years ago. The victim’s parents refused to accept her initial explanations and persevered with their concerns. 

“We are pleased the victim found the courage to eventually talk about what she had been through and recognised that she was a victim and that Orton’s actions were not that of a friend.

“We hope the verdict and sentence now helps the victim to come to terms with what happened and try and put that time behind her, and also reassures her parents that they did the right thing by coming forward.

“We would like to reassure anyone else who may be in a similar situation to report their concerns, as they will be heard and we will help them through the process. 

“We know it’s not always easy to speak out; we have specialist officers who can help you every step of the way and also put you in touch with agencies who can advise and support you moving forward.”

Judge Spencer described the defendant during his sentencing summary.  He said: “You are a self-pitying and self-obsessed individual who shows no detectable empathy and not a shred of remorse for your actions”.

“Those actions have destroyed a mother and daughter relationship at a time when they should have been close, caused devastation to the wider family and taken away the teenaged years of a child that can never be re-lived.”

Further information and advice can be found here https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/