Man jailed for child sex assault and exposure offences

A man has been jailed for nearly five years after sexually assaulting a child and exposing himself in a charity shop.

Christoffer Thorkelsen, aged 30, was visiting Hertfordshire from Norway with family when the incidents took place last year.

At around 1.50pm on Wednesday 15 October, Thorkelsen exposed his penis to a member of the public inside the Isabel Hospice shop on Haldens in Welwyn Garden City.

A couple of days prior, the court heard how Thorkelsen also sexually assaulted a child under the age of seven in the county.

After reports were made to the police, Thorkelsen tried to flee the country before he was intercepted on the plane by police officers at Gatwick Airport.

Thorkelsen was arrested, charged and pleaded guilty to both offences.

At St Albans Crown Court last Friday (5 June), Thorkelsen was jailed for four-and-half years for sexual assault and a further five months for indecent exposure, to be served consecutively. He will be deported upon his release from prison.

Detective Sergeant Katie Stevens, from the Joint Child Protection Investigation Team, said: “Thorkelsen is a dangerous and predatory offender and there is no doubt the world is safer with him behind bars.

“Thorkelsen committed these serious offences from the first day he arrived in the UK, and then attempted to flee the country when he knew police were investigating.

“I’d like to praise both victims for their bravery in reporting his crimes, and thankfully they were spared the ordeal of having to go through a criminal trial.”

Being a victim of a sexual offence is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation. The constabulary also has LGBTQ+ liaison officers who are specially trained to provide support to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support.

The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them.

To contact Herts SARC, call 0330 223 0099 or visit Herts SARC.