Man jailed for nearly five years for sexual assault and indecent exposure in Hertfordshire
He tried to flee the country but was arrested at Gatwick Airport
Christoffer Thorkelsen, a 30-year-old Norwegian, has been sentenced to almost five years in prison for sexual offences committed in Hertfordshire.
Thorkelsen was convicted of sexually assaulting a child under seven and exposing himself in a charity shop in Welwyn Garden City.
On 15th October, Thorkelsen exposed his genitals to a member of the public at the Isabel Hospice shop.
Days prior, he sexually assaulted a child, leading to reports being filed with the police.
Thorkelsen attempted to flee the country but was intercepted by officers at Gatwick Airport before departure.
Charged and pleading guilty to both offences, Thorkelsen received four-and-half years for the sexual assault and an additional five months for indecent exposure.
Upon completing his prison term, Thorkelsen will be deported from the UK.
Detective Sergeant Katie Stevens of the Joint Child Protection Investigation Team commented: “Thorkelsen is a dangerous and predatory offender and there is no doubt the world is safer with him behind bars.”
Acknowledging the bravery of the victims, Detective Stevens noted their actions spared them the ordeal of a trial.
Victims of sexual offences are urged to report incidents, regardless of when they occurred, with specialist officers available to support investigations.
The police force also provides trained LGBTQ+ liaison officers for community support.