Eva Tyrminska

Eva Tyrminska, 53, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, played a complicit role in a harrowing child abuse incident that unfolded in September 2013. While her partner, Kazimierz Kowejsza, assaulted a young girl in their bedroom, Tyrminska watched and failed to intervene, instead hiding a bed to obstruct police upon their arrival. Witnesses who spotted the abuse through the window called 999, leading to the immediate raid where officers found her fully clothed under the bed.

At Hull Crown Court in June 2014, Tyrminska was found guilty of two charges of aiding or abetting the rape. Judge Mark Bury criticised her harshly, stating that she 'could have stopped this entire incident' and that her presence encouraged Kowejsza's appalling behaviour. The court heard that both were intoxicated but cognisant of their actions, with the assault occurring in view of six shocked witnesses. Tyrminska expressed no remorse, mirroring her partner's initial denial.

• Tyrminska's involvement included watching the abuse without intervention and attempting to conceal evidence by hiding the bed.
• Prior concerns about the child's neglect had been raised with social services twice before the incident.
• The child was promptly removed to permanent foster care, where she is now reported to be thriving.

Judge Bury sentenced Tyrminska to eight years in prison, a custodial term reflecting her direct facilitation of the crime. Like Kowejsza, she must register on the UK Sex Offenders Register for life and could be considered for deportation to Poland. Her defence, represented by Matthew Harding, argued there was no evidence she physically restrained the girl, but the court deemed her encouragement undeniable. Detective Chief Inspector Adrian Taylor of West Yorkshire Police condemned the offence as 'abhorrent,' highlighting its impact on the community and witnesses. Wakefield Council noted prior professional support for the family and swift action post-alert to ensure the child's safety, opting against a serious case review.

This case illustrates the severe legal consequences for those who enable child sexual abuse, emphasising accountability for bystanders in positions of influence over victims.