A transgender woman identified as James Groves, 51, who goes by the name April, has been sentenced to 20 years and six months in prison for grooming and raping a vulnerable young girl nine times. Groves was convicted of 18 child sex offenses and one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice at Bristol Crown Court.
The victim, who was praised by police for her bravery, testified that the abuse led her to feel like a "shell of my former self" and that she had "lost my childhood." She recounted trauma that caused her to forget significant portions of her youth, noting that she was once a "bright, bubbly girl."
Groves' offenses came to light after he was arrested for inappropriate communication with a child. The victim subsequently came forward to report the sexual abuse and rape, which had occurred over several years. Groves was arrested for these additional offenses while in custody.
Detective Constable Ben Perrett of Avon and Somerset Police described the case as "extremely distressing," highlighting Groves' "calculated pattern of grooming designed to gain trust and exert control." He commended the victim's courage, stating it was instrumental in securing the conviction and preventing further harm.
Groves was found guilty by a unanimous jury of 19 separate offenses, including nine counts of rape. He was named as James Groves on the indictment and referred to as James throughout the sentencing hearing. He will also be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.