A former steward at the Latitude Festival has been sentenced to three years in prison after he posed as a security guard to sexually assault a teenage girl.
Daniel Szalasny, 25, was working at the Suffolk music event when he approached the 16-year-old victim, falsely claiming he needed to search her for drugs. He then led her to a secluded area where the assault took place.
The court heard how Szalasny had been dismissed from his role as a steward earlier that day but remained on-site wearing his high-visibility jacket, which he used to deceive the victim into believing he was a legitimate security operative.
Detective Inspector Mark Beresford of Suffolk Police described the incident as "a calculated and predatory act", praising the victim's bravery in coming forward.
How the Crime Unfolded
Szalasny's deception began when he spotted the vulnerable teenager alone at the festival. Wearing his steward's uniform despite having been fired hours earlier, he:
- Approached the victim claiming to be conducting drug searches
- Told her she needed to be taken to a private area for a more thorough check
- Assaulted her in a secluded part of the festival grounds
Justice Served
At Ipswich Crown Court, Judge Emma Peters condemned Szalasny's actions as "a gross abuse of trust" and noted his complete lack of remorse. In addition to the prison sentence, Szalasny was placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The case has prompted festival organisers to review their security procedures, particularly regarding the swift removal of dismissed staff from event sites.
