Army cadet leader jailed for assaulting 13-year-old girl in St Albans bedsit

Javier Franco, 52, lured a teenage girl with a fake award before assaulting her in 2004. He was sentenced to over three years at St Albans Crown Court.

Former cadet leader jailed after victim spots him in public two decades on

Javier Franco, 52, formerly of Redbourn, Hertfordshire, has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison after pleading guilty to the indecent assault of a 13-year-old girl in 2004, the Daily Express reports.

Franco, who held a leadership role in the Army Cadets, told the girl to meet him at Greenwood Park on the outskirts of St Albans, claiming he had a certificate for her. He then took her to his bedsit, where he carried out the assault.

The victim came forward two years ago after spotting Franco in public. She reported him to Hertfordshire Police, and he was arrested in June 2023. He pleaded guilty ahead of sentencing at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, 26 August.

Detective Constable Sophie Beach praised the victim for her decision to report the offence. "She described how seeing him in public all those years later made her feel sick and she felt she had to report it," Beach said. "We are so glad she did. Nobody should have to suffer in silence while their perpetrator gets away with such a heinous crime."

In addition to his custodial sentence, Franco has been placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely. He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim.

Det Cons Beach used the case to urge other victims of sexual offences to come forward, regardless of how long ago the crime occurred. "We will take your report seriously and fight for justice, no matter how long ago the offence occurred," she said. "We want to help you and we will do everything we can to make the process as easy as possible for you."

Anyone who has experienced sexual assault can contact Rape Crisis England & Wales free on 0808 500 2222. In Scotland, the number is 08088 010302; in Northern Ireland, Rape Crisis can be reached on 0800 0246 991.

Source: Daily Express