ALAN NORMAN FROM PITSEA SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BASILDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Alan Norman, a 71-year-old resident of Pitsea, was convicted of sexually abusing a young girl in Basildon. The incident occurred in May when Norman was caught in the act by the child's mother, who had left her daughter sitting on Norman’s knee while she stepped out briefly to collect a take-away meal.

The mother returned unexpectedly to find Norman assaulting her five-year-old daughter, an event that has left the family and community deeply distressed. The court proceedings revealed that Norman’s assault took place just three months after he was released from a previous sentence for similar offenses against minors.

Norman’s criminal history includes a 2005 conviction where he was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for sexually touching four children, aged between four and eight. During the trial, it was disclosed that Norman had deceived the family by claiming his previous incarceration was due to drug-related issues, a lie that concealed his true criminal background. Prosecutor Lesli Sternberg emphasized that the mother was unaware of Norman’s prior convictions when she welcomed him into her home.

Defense lawyer Mitchell Cohen acknowledged that Norman had limited recollection of the incident but stated that his client pleaded guilty to avoid forcing the mother to testify, thereby sparing her further distress. Cohen also highlighted Norman’s ongoing health issues, including chronic lung disease and heart problems, which require daily treatment, even while incarcerated.

Judge John Lodge addressed the court, condemning Norman’s deceitful conduct in establishing a relationship with the family under false pretenses. The judge described the betrayal as “the worst kind of deceit” and emphasized the severity of the offense, ruling that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate. Norman appeared in court via a video link from Belmarsh prison and pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual touching of a minor at a hearing last month.

Following his conviction, Norman was sentenced to three years in prison. He was also issued a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from living or working with children and restricts his proximity to playgrounds, specifically barring him from entering within 20 meters of any such area. The court also informed him that he would be released on licence after serving his sentence.

After the sentencing, the victim’s mother expressed her dissatisfaction with the length of the sentence, voicing her concern that Norman might reoffend once released. The case has raised serious concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from predatory individuals like Norman, whose actions have left a lasting impact on the community of Basildon and the wider area.