A 52-year-old former army officer from Skegness has been sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment at Shrewsbury Crown Court after being found guilty of 15 sexual offences committed against children over a period spanning more than two decades.
Gareth Evans-Balmforth appeared for sentence on Thursday 15 October 2026 following an extensive safeguarding investigation led by West Mercia Police.
The prosecution outlined that Evans-Balmforth initiated his predatory conduct while serving as an active army officer stationed at military installations in Shropshire and Yorkshire. The offending continued when he was subsequently deployed overseas, where he carried out sexual abuse while residing on military barracks.
Evans-Balmforth exploited his authority and trusted standing within military communities to target vulnerable children across several decades. The criminal conduct came to light in 2022 when victims came forward to make disclosures to West Mercia Police, prompting detectives to launch an investigation that identified multiple victims subjected to historical abuse.
In August 2026, following a Crown Court trial, Evans-Balmforth was found guilty of 15 charges on the indictment:
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
One count of attempted sexual assault
One count of sexual assault of a child
One count of sexual assault
One count of causing a child to watch a sexual act
Three counts of indecent exposure
Passing sentence on 15 October 2026, the Crown Court judge condemned Evans-Balmforth for systematically abusing positions of trust in environments where young people should have felt safe and protected, noting the profound and enduring trauma inflicted upon the survivors. The judge sentenced him to an immediate custodial term of 18 years behind bars.
To ensure long-term public protection, the court granted an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), ordered that Evans-Balmforth remain subject to lifelong notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register under the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and permanently barred him from regulated activity involving children or vulnerable adults.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Rhian Jackson paid tribute to the survivors following the sentencing, noting their courage in coming forward to hold Evans-Balmforth accountable for abuse spanning over twenty years.
Under the provisions of Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, all child victims and complainants connected to criminal proceedings are protected by automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any details, names, addresses, educational facilities, or photographs capable of leading to public identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Evans-Balmforth stood convicted of:
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
Three counts of indecent exposure
Sentencing outcome and statutory measures:
18 years’ immediate custody
Indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)
Mandatory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register for life under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
Permanent barring from working with children or vulnerable adults (Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists)
Strict post-custodial statutory licence supervision conditions enforceable upon release from custody
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
For the latest updates and offender details, follow us on the Offender Database Facebook Page. If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on how to report a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.