Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The case is several years old, but has only just reached a conclusion because of the complex nature.
The case is several years old, but has only just reached a conclusion because of the complex nature.
What has happened?
Ciara Watkin, a 21-year-old transgender woman, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after failing to disclose her biological sex to a man before sexual activity.
The incident occurred in Thornaby, Yorkshire, several years ago, but the case only reached sentencing recently after a lengthy legal process.
How the night unfolded
Watkin met the man on Snapchat and the two later spent the evening drinking at a residence.
They eventually went to the bedroom, where Watkin discouraged physical contact and claimed to be on her period.
Afterward, she texted him, revealing: “I’m trans. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
Shocked, the man reported the incident to police.
Victim describes emotional fallout
In his police interview, the man said he had believed Watkin was “fully a girl.”
He said discovering the truth left him feeling as though his “manhood” had been taken from him.
“At first, I did just have an emotional breakdown,” he said. “It’s something that upsets me. I’m just trying to hide my emotions.”
Court convicts on grounds of deception
According to Express US, Watkin was convicted of two counts of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration in August.
Prosecutors argued that by withholding her transgender status, she denied the man the ability to give informed consent—making the sexual activity unlawful under UK law.
Consent must be informed
Senior Crown Prosecutor Sarah Nelson said Watkin made “no attempt to inform him of her transgender status” before the encounter.
“Had he known, he would not have engaged in sexual activity,” she stated.
The court acknowledged the psychological toll the experience had on the victim.
Defence: No surgery, no intent to mislead
Watkin had not undergone gender reassignment surgery and had padded her bra with clothing, the court heard.
Her defence team claimed she eventually disclosed her identity in a phone call.
She told police she feared the man would not continue the relationship if he knew she was transgender.
Friends and family had suspicions
The pair met a second time at the man’s home.
The court was told his mother and some friends suspected Watkin was transgender but didn’t share their concerns with him.
He remained unaware until she confessed.
Judge and police highlight lack of disclosure
The judge said Watkin “set out to deceive” the man in order to secure sex.
Detective Constable Martin Scotson added: “This case is about true consent. Had the victim known Watkin was biologically male, he would not have consented. She purposely concealed her sex.”
A complex case with wider implications
While the case has stirred strong opinions online—especially amid broader debates around gender identity—the authorities maintain their focus was on consent, not gender.
They hope the outcome encourages other victims of sexual offences to speak out and seek justice.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
