ADRIAN STRONG POUNDURY NURSERY OWNER FOUND GUILTY OF CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN DORCHESTER

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Adrian Strong, a 59-year-old former nursery manager from Poundbury, Dorchester, has been convicted of serious sexual offences against children, offences that date back over two decades. The trial, held at Bournemouth Crown Court, revealed disturbing allegations that have haunted the community for years.

During the proceedings, Strong was acquitted of three charges related to child indecency and abuse. However, the jury, after careful deliberation, returned a majority verdict of 10 to 2 in favor of guilt on two counts of indecency with a child. These particular charges involved allegations that Strong exposed himself to young babysitters aged 13, 14, and 15 while he resided on Portland between 1988 and 1991. Strong consistently denied all accusations brought against him.

Following the conclusion of the trial, Judge Peter Johnson ordered a halt to reporting on the case to allow the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider whether a retrial should be pursued for the remaining two charges—indecency with a child and indecent assault. After careful review, authorities decided that pursuing further convictions was not in the public interest. As a result, Strong, who resides on Stowcastle Street in Poundbury, will face sentencing for the two indecency offences next week.

Strong’s background in childcare was well known locally, as he and his wife Marianne previously operated the Starlight Nursery at Dorset Green Technology Park in Winfrith, having moved it from Dorchester. The nursery was permanently closed last year following an allegation of sexual assault against a child. An investigation led to the arrest of a staff member, who was subsequently released without charge. Importantly, none of the charges or allegations during Strong’s trial related to children at any of the nurseries or childminding facilities he managed.

Prosecutor David Bartlett recounted during the trial how one victim, who had been subjected to alleged historic offences, saw Strong driving a nursery minibus filled with children in 2007. This incident prompted the victim to anonymously report Strong to the NSPCC, which was then forwarded to Social Services. Despite this, Strong and his wife’s childminding registration was not revoked at that time. It was only after the victim saw news reports in 2011 about police investigations into the Starlight Nursery at Winfrith—run by Strong and his wife—that she and another former babysitter decided to come forward and speak to authorities.

During the trial, the judge also directed the jury to find Strong not guilty of one count of indecency with a child, as the prosecution could not establish the specific dates of the alleged offences. Additionally, Strong was cleared of two other charges involving indecent assault—one involving a child aged two or three years, and another involving a girl between three and six years old. Currently, Strong is no longer employed in childcare and is receiving incapacity benefit. His sentencing is scheduled for Friday, May 18, marking a significant moment in a case that has deeply affected the local community and raised ongoing concerns about safeguarding and justice.