'Manipulative' paedophile jailed for assaulting boys

Joanna Evans, who uses different male and female names and identities, sexually assaulted three boys

A "manipulative" paedophile who sexually assaulted three young boys has been jailed.

Joanna Evans, who uses different male and female names and identities, sexually assaulted three victims in East Lancashire in 2020, police said.

The youngest was eight years old and all three were under the age of 13.

Evans, 40, of Swansea, failed to attend Burnley Crown Court and was jailed for 17 years.

'Significant sentence'

The trial ran in the defendant’s absence and Evans was unanimously found guilty of two sexual assault charges.

Police said detectives were told of the sexual assaults in September 2020 and Evans was arrested the same day and later charged.

DC Hannah Brown said: “Evans is a manipulative individual who sexually assaulted the three young victims for sexual gratification.

"The significant sentence handed down by the court reflects the seriousness of the offending Evans engaged in.

“I hope the outcome of this case will encourage other victims to come forward."