A barber in Wales has been sentenced to 27 months in jail for preying on teenage boys who visited his barbershop. Hristo Georgiev, 26, admitted to three sexual offences involving two victims. In one instance, he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old boy after convincing him to close his eyes while he used hairspray on him. Georgiev touched the boy inappropriately over his clothes before the boy managed to escape and report the incident. Just a week prior, Georgiev had made sexual advances towards another 15-year-old customer at the same barbershop in Coedpoeth, Wales.
During the sentencing at Mold Crown Court in Flintshire, the judge expressed concern over the predatory behaviour of Georgiev, stating that parents should be able to send their children for a haircut without worrying about their safety. The court heard how Georgiev engaged the teenagers in inappropriate conversations and made sexual propositions towards them. The victims displayed bravery by reporting the incidents to the authorities. Georgiev, who had no fixed address, was handed a 24-month jail term for inciting a 15-year-old boy to engage in sexual activity and an additional three months for each of the two sexual assaults on a male.
Georgiev’s defence lawyer acknowledged his client’s remorse and the shame he had brought upon himself and his family. She highlighted his good work ethic and difficult upbringing, being raised by his grandmother due to his parents’ incapacity. The judge emphasised the concerning nature of Georgiev’s actions and his lack of self-control, stating that the behaviour displayed was predatory and risky. Georgiev was also issued a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting his contact with boys under 16 and requiring him to report his circumstances to the authorities.
The judge commended the bravery of the victims for coming forward to report the incidents, potentially preventing similar behaviours in the future. The court sessions unveiled unsettling details of the sexual assaults and misconduct perpetrated by Georgiev towards the teenage boys visiting his barbershop. More updates on this developing story can be found in upcoming court news.