Linslade golfer Gavin Samuels convicted of rape

A professional golfer from Linslade has been found guilty of sexually abusing three young girls.

Gavin Samuels, 26, of Melfort Drive, was found guilty at Luton Crown Court today of six counts of sexual abuse on one girl – including four counts of rape.

During the trial, the jury heard how in 2006 Samuels starting abusing his victim knowing she was just 12 years old. He sexually assaulted and raped her on several occasions.

In an earlier trial in August the court heard how in 2012 Samuels exploited two other young girls. He groomed them with countless messages and bought them gifts, before engaging in sexual activity with them despite knowing they were under the age of consent.

He persuaded one of his victims to download WhatsApp and Snapchat so that they could exchange messages and images for free, and would buy cigarettes for his victims in exchange for them meeting up with him or performing sexual acts on him.

In total across the two trials, he was convicted 10 offences.

Det Con Ben Stone said: “Although the verdict cannot compensate for the years of anguish that his victims have suffered at his hands, I hope that it can bring them some level of closure, and I’d like to thank the victims for their incredible bravery in coming forward to reveal this abuse.

“I hope that it gives others the confidence in knowing that they do not have to suffer in silence – we will support them, and justice will be done.”

Det Insp Rob Regan added: “Samuels groomed two of his victims in a calculating and despicable manner, taking advantage of their youth and naivety in a bid to sexually abuse them. He gave them gifts and items such as cigarettes in exchange for attention and sexual acts, as well as bombarding them with inappropriate messages.

“I’d urge everyone to take a moment to learn about the signs of CSE so that you know what to look for, and if you have any concerns about inappropriate behaviour then please do report it.”

Samuels has been remanded in custody pending sentencing on April 28.

Visit www.bedfordshireagainstcse.org to find out more about child sexual exploitation.