Teaching assistant sentenced in shocking UK pedophilia case

61-year-old Denise Povall was sentenced to eight years in prison. The woman molested a 10-year-old boy. The police described her actions as "evil and sustained."

A massive pedophilia scandal has shaken all of Great Britain. The teaching assistant took care of the 10-year-old boy. She bought him gifts, sent text messages, and established a bond with the boy before beginning to abuse him sexually.

The crimes occurred in 2000 when Povall worked at a school in the Harrogate area. The victim was so traumatized by the events of his childhood that he reported to the police only as an adult.

What we uncovered can only be described as evil and sustained sexual abuse of a young child by a paedophile. (...) (The boy - editor's note) has been incredibly brave coming forward, especially given the common misconception that women don’t commit these sort of crimes - said Detective Alison Morris from North Yorkshire Police.

Prosecutor Soheil Khan, who led the case, said the adult woman deeply manipulated the boy - "Felt like he always wanted to be with Denise Povall, and he thought this was love."

The 61-year-old was charged with seduction, encouraging sex with a child, inciting sexual activity with a child, and sexual assault by touching. During police interrogation and the trial, she denied all the charges. The woman did not plead guilty nor express remorse for the sexual offences.

On Friday, June 7, 2002, Povall was found guilty of all charges against her. The court sentenced her to 8 years of absolute imprisonment. The woman will also be registered as a sex offender.