A transgender woman who groomed and had sex with a 14-year-old girl, resulting in her pregnancy, has been sentenced to prison.

The defendant, identified by police as "David Orton, also known as Danielle Rose Gemini," was found guilty of penetrative sexual activity with a child following a trial. Authorities stated that the victim was vulnerable and initially refused to acknowledge the sexual abuse she was enduring.

However, she later confided in police about the abuse. The offender, whose name was recorded as Danielle-Rose Gemini by Leicester Crown Court, was sentenced to nine-and-a-half years in prison.

Leicestershire Police, who confirmed the 25-year-old identified as a woman at the time of the offenses, were unable to provide an update on their current gender identity. The defendant was also charged with raping the girl but was acquitted of this charge after the trial.

Det Con Sarah Le Boutillier, the investigating officer, stated, "Throughout our interviews, Orton refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing and claimed to be the victim. These claims were unfounded."

The victim was 14 years old when her parents first raised suspicions in October 2020. Police revealed that the offender was a family friend who frequently stayed at the victim's residence. The girl's parents grew suspicious of a sexual relationship, but the girl initially denied these concerns.

"Orton exploited the victim's vulnerability for their own gain, not only grooming the victim but also her parents who believed Orton was a genuine friend," Det Con Le Boutillier emphasized.

"This was a complex and extensive investigation; the initial report was filed with the police over two years ago. The victim's parents refused to accept her initial explanations and persisted with their concerns."

"We are relieved that the victim found the courage to finally speak about her experiences and recognized that she was a victim and that Orton's actions were not those of a friend."

The girl provided information to the police in June 2021. The defendant, from Willowbank Road in Hinckley, was interviewed and subsequently charged with four counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child and two counts of raping a girl aged 13 to 15.

A jury found the defendant guilty on two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child but not guilty on the remaining charges.

Det Con Le Boutillier said, "We hope the verdict and sentence now helps the victim to come to terms with what happened and try and put that time behind her, and also reassures her parents that they did the right thing by coming forward."

"We would like to reassure anyone else who may be in a similar situation to report their concerns, as they will be heard and we will help them through the process. We know it's not always easy to speak out; we have specialist officers who can help you every step of the way and also put you in touch with agencies who can advise and support you moving forward."