Ashley Carnell 52

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“It was not just about ensuring a man was convicted of a crime but also that an extremely brave child and her family were looked after during the most horrendous time”.

On Friday (29 August), Ashley Carnell, 52, of Willoughby Waterleys, Leicester, was sentenced to five years imprisonment at Leicester Crown Court after being found guilty following trial of sexual touching of a girl under 13.

Carnell was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

The investigation came following a brave disclosure by the victim, who was aged seven at the time of the offence, to her parents who contacted the police.

Detective Constable Kamran Kalia, from the force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, was the officer in the case.

He said:

“It was after the victim became upset and her parents realised something was wrong, that they had a gentle conversation with the victim which led to the victim bravely telling her parents about what had happened. Her parents immediately made contact with the police.

“While one of our priorities was of course to speak to the suspect, it was important we did this in the right way with the victim at the centre of our investigation. It was not just about ensuring a man was convicted of a crime but also that an extremely brave child and her family were looked after during the most horrendous time. This included ensuring we approached the victim at the right time, in the right way and with the right support available. We also worked to ensure the victim’s parents were kept fully involved and updated during a very upsetting and distressing time.

“Specialist interviews were carried out with the victim by trained officers to ensure the victim felt as comfortable and as supported as possible. An independent trained specialist advisor was also put in place to ensure the victim had a consistent point of contact to provide advice and support.

“Carnell was charged and as we progressed to court, we put measures in place so that the victim could pre-record her evidence to be presented in court, thereby ensuring that we were doing everything we could to support a young person in very difficult and distressing circumstances.

“I’m extremely grateful to the victim and her family for the bravery and co-operation they have shown throughout which has allowed us to ensure the conviction of a sexual offender."