The Court of Appeal has firmly rejected an attempt by a disgraced former cheerleading coach to reduce her ten-year prison sentence for sexually abusing a teenage victim over a two-year period. Rosana Awan, 34, had argued that mitigating factors, including her age at the time of the offences and a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), should have led to a shorter term.
Appeal Judges Uphold Original Sentence
In a decisive ruling, the appeal judges dismissed Awan's submissions, stating that the original sentence properly reflected the severity of her crimes. Lady Justice Andrews, presiding with Mr Justice Soole and the Recorder of London, acknowledged the sentence was "undoubtedly severe" but emphasised it was necessary to account for the profound harm inflicted on the victim.
Details of the Abuse and Conviction
Awan was convicted at Leicester Crown Court in October 2024 on multiple serious charges. These included four counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The court heard evidence describing "hundreds of incidents" of sexual abuse, which involved repeated sexual touching and digital penetration over the extended period.
Prosecutors characterised the case as a "classic example of grooming," highlighting the manipulative nature of the offences. The victim, whose identity remains protected, has suffered severe and lasting psychological trauma as a result of the abuse.
Legal Arguments and Delays in the Case
Awan's legal team presented several arguments in their appeal for a reduced sentence:
- Her relative youth at the time the offences were committed.
- Her diagnosis of ADHD as a potential mitigating factor.
- The significant delays in bringing the case to trial, partly due to Covid-era backlogs in the justice system.
- The impact of her imprisonment on her young child, who has been placed in the care of Social Services.
The case experienced considerable procedural delays. Awan was initially arrested in 2019 and first appeared before magistrates in April 2020. At that time, she was pregnant and had recently married. The trial was postponed multiple times, with the birth of her child and systemic court delays contributing to the case not reaching a jury until October 2024.
Court's Firm Stance on Sentencing
The appeal judges systematically rejected all the points raised by the defence. Lady Justice Andrews stated that while the delays were regrettable, they did not justify a reduction in the sentence given the gravity of the crimes. The court also found that the impact on Awan's child, while unfortunate, could not outweigh the need for a punishment that reflected the harm done to the victim.
The court was informed that Awan's husband has remained supportive throughout the proceedings. Their child now has daily telephone contact with Awan and visits her on weekends during permitted prison arrangements.
Additional Court Orders and Registration
In addition to the custodial sentence, Awan was subject to significant court orders imposed during her sentencing in December last year. These include:
- A 10-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.
- A 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposing strict conditions on her behaviour upon release.
Furthermore, Awan will be placed on the sex offenders register for life, a requirement that will impose ongoing restrictions and monitoring after she completes her prison term.
This case underscores the judiciary's commitment to imposing sentences that adequately reflect the seriousness of sexual offences against children, particularly those involving positions of trust such as coaching roles.
