Sexually assaulting teenager.

Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Jail for Sexual Assault in Harlow

A man has been sentenced to almost four years in jail after CAIT detectives linked him to the sexual assault of a young girl in Harlow.

Officers were alerted to an incident on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Oakwood Pond. During the incident, a teenage girl was approached by a man shortly before 4:20 PM and sexually assaulted. Thankfully, she was able to escape and seek help.

Following the incident, an investigation was launched, and officers utilized the victim's description to identify Luis Palma. His distinctive clothing, a blue t-shirt, blue denim shorts, and Vans-style trainers, allowed officers to identify him using CCTV footage.

Palma's description and images were circulated amongst officers patrolling Harlow. On Friday, June 17, officers spotted a man carrying a Nike bag resembling the one seen in the CCTV footage. The man was followed and paused to look back at officers before walking towards two waiting officers. He was then arrested, and during a search of his home, all the distinctive items of clothing were found.

As the investigation progressed, officers uncovered sexually explicit messages on Instagram between Palma and a 14-year-old girl. Throughout the messages, the girl had made it clear that she was 14 years old, but Palma continued the conversation.

Palma, 31, of Fold Croft, Harlow, was charged with sexual assault and sexually communicating with a 14-year-old girl between April 2022 and June 2022. He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court in February and pleaded guilty to both charges. On Wednesday, April 10, he was sentenced to 44 months in jail.

Palma will remain on the sex offender's register for life and will be deported upon completion of his sentence. Additionally, officers successfully applied for a sexual harm prevention order, prohibiting him from entering Harlow indefinitely.