Former cheerleading coach jailed for sex offences

A former cheerleading coach was been jailed yesterday (Wednesday) for sexual offences.

Rosanna Awan, 34, has been sentenced to serve 10 years in prison at a hearing at Leicester Crown Court.

The offences, reported to us in 2019, date back to when the defendant was a cheerleading coach in her 20s.  

The victim – a girl, then aged 13 – was abused by Awan, who began touching her innaproppriately under her clothing and subsequently began to engage her in sexual activity.

Awan was found guilty of five counts of sexual activity after a trial at the same court in October this year.

She was found guilty of:

• Four counts of sexual activity with a child
• One count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity between

She 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.

Officer in the case, DC Catherine Anderson, said: “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.”

Rosanna Awan

DS 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 an adult, said: “Thanks again to Rob and Catherine, I couldn’t have done it without you both."