A 51-year-old transgender sexual offender who identifies as a woman has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison in the United Kingdom after being convicted of sexually abusing a vulnerable girl nine times.
James Groves, who was known as April and was tried as a man, was found guilty of 18 sexual offenses against children and one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice at Bristol Crown Court.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, said the abuse took away her childhood and left her deeply affected by the trauma. Authorities praised her courage, saying her testimony was key to the conviction.
The case came to light after Groves was arrested for inappropriate communications with a minor. Police said the abuse had continued over several years and involved a pattern aimed at gaining the girl’s trust and exercising control over her.
