ALAN MORRIS SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SALISBURY AND BISHOPSTONE

A man from Bishopstone, named Alan Morris, has been sentenced to a prison term of three years following his conviction on multiple serious charges related to child sex offences. The proceedings unfolded at Salisbury Crown Court, where it was revealed that Morris, aged 62, was found guilty on a total of five counts, including three counts of exposure, one count of sexual assault, and one count of causing or inciting a child under the age of 16 to partake in sexual activities.

The incidents that led to his conviction are believed to have occurred over a span of approximately six months, from January to June of the previous year. These disclosures and testimonies painted a disturbing picture of recurring inappropriate behavior involving a young individual under the age of 16, which Morris attempted to conceal.

During the court hearing on Wednesday, Morris's defense attorney, Marcus Tregilgas-Davey, addressed the court, emphasizing that his client has a prior conviction related to similar conduct, although this past conviction dates back more than two decades. The lawyer pointed out that between the time of that previous conviction and the recent offences, Alan Morris has led a predominantly law-abiding life. He highlighted that Morris was employed productively and had managed to maintain a certain stability despite the allegations.

Tregilgas-Davey acknowledged that Morris’s actions have caused significant personal damage, leading to the loss of his home, a long-term relationship of sixteen years, and estrangement from most of his remaining family and friends. Despite this, the defense argued that Morris’s current health was not in the best condition, and recommended that the court consider a community order rather than immediate imprisonment. The lawyer suggested that such a community-based penalty might provide Morris with an opportunity to address the underlying issues that led to his offending.

However, the presiding judge, Recorder Peter Towler, expressed skepticism regarding the efficacy of a community order in this case. He remarked that Morris’s persistent denial of any wrongdoing, coupled with his refusal to accept guilt or acknowledge any harmful behavior, made rehabilitation through a community-based punishment unlikely to succeed. The judge stated, “It seems to me that such a course of treatment would be unlikely to work because of his constant denial of his behaviour that there has been anything wrong.”

After considering the evidence and his assessment of Morris’s attitude, Recorder Towler sentenced him to three years of imprisonment. In addition to the custodial sentence, Morris was issued a lifetime sexual offences prevention order that restricts his access to children and will remain in force indefinitely. Furthermore, he is to remain on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life, reflecting the seriousness with which the court views these offences and the ongoing risk they pose to the community in Salisbury and further afield.