Former soldier jailed for 18 years for 15 child sex offences

Gareth Evans-Balmforth, 52, of Skegness, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Thursday, October 15, after being found guilty in August 2026 of a series of offences.

They included four counts of gross indecency with a child under 14, four counts of inciting a child under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, attempted sexual assault, sexual assault of a child, sexual assault, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and three counts of indecent exposure.

The offences took place in the UK and abroad over a period of more than two decades, beginning while Evans-Balmforth was a serving army officer based in Shropshire and Yorkshire.

Detective Constable Rhian Jackson, the investigating officer, said: "I welcome yesterday’s sentence of 18 years’ imprisonment for Evans-Balmforth for these appalling offences.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victims, whose courage and resilience throughout this investigation and court process has been remarkable.

"By coming forward, they have helped ensure he has been held accountable for his actions."

Evans-Balmforth continued to offend while stationed overseas, targeting multiple victims in environments where they should have been safe.

The offences were reported to West Mercia Police in 2022, leading to an investigation that uncovered multiple victims.

DC Jackson said: "Evans-Balmforth abused positions of trust and exploited environments where children should have felt safe and protected.

"The impact of his offending on the victims cannot be underestimated.

"I hope this sentence provides them with a sense of justice and helps them as they continue to move forward with their lives."

Evans-Balmforth was also given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.