A truck driver who targeted two schoolgirls has been sentenced to over four years in prison. Adrian Vermaak, 38, used his Audi A6 to attract the young victims and took them for drives.
Prosecutor Barry White told Stoke-on-Trent Court that Vermaak sexually abused the girls in his car. One girl mentioned in a victim impact statement that her school grades had suffered since the abuse, reported StokeonTrentLive. The other girl said her mental health had deteriorated, and she now dreads going to school. “I feel used, betrayed, worthless, and I am mentally and physically drained,” she added. “I am angry. I did not deserve any of it.”
Defense lawyer Hunter Gray acknowledged the girls were somewhat infatuated with Vermaak but emphasized that Vermaak “should have shut that down far more quickly than he did.” Gray pointed out that Vermaak’s actions over six days were out of character and that he got caught up in the moment, realizing too late that he had made a grave mistake.
Vermaak, who has been in custody for ten months, may face deportation to Zimbabwe after serving his sentence. He admitted to five counts of sexual activity with a child but claimed he did not force the girls into any sexual acts.
Judge Michael Maher stated that Vermaak acted on his fantasy of having sex with a minor, knowing she was vulnerable to his charm. The judge stressed the need to protect children from predators like Vermaak and noted that Vermaak exploited the situation for his gain.
Vermaak was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. He will serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for release on license.
