ALBERT PEARCE, STOKE ST MICHAEL, SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS

In April 2010, 84-year-old Albert Pearce of Eastend, Stoke St Michael, was sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of 18 sexual offences, including attempted rape, committed against young girls. A judge described his crimes as "appalling" and emphasized the lasting psychological harm inflicted on his victims.

Recorder Rosaleen Collins told Pearce: "I have seen the impact statements and I am not going to repeat what they said, but I take full account of the harm you have caused in sentencing you." During the trial at Taunton Crown Court, the jury was informed that Pearce’s first offences occurred over 50 years ago, with the most recent taking place in 1999. The charges included indecent assault, indecency with a child, and attempted rape.

The court learned that the most seriously abused girl did not feel able to come forward and report her abuse until two years prior to the trial.

In her sentencing remarks, Recorder Collins stated: "Many people feel a sense of guilt because of what happened and they shouldn’t. The only person who should feel any guilt is you. It’s not another’s fault you committed these offences. No one could have suspected what you did." She added, "The sentence cannot fully reflect the harm you have done and the seriousness of the offences."

Recognizing Pearce’s age and health issues, including hearing and sight problems, the judge acknowledged that prison would be particularly harsh for him. "I have no doubt that a sentence of imprisonment will affect you more harshly than other offenders because of your age and frailty and because you will be wrenched from your home. I know that will be extremely harsh on you," she said.

Pearce, a grandfather, loudly dismissed the allegations during the four-day trial, calling various claims "rubbish." His defense lawyer, Rebecca Bradberry, told the court that Pearce maintained his innocence and was prepared for custody, describing prison as "an alien environment."

The defendant did not give evidence in his defense, having told police that the girls had been "put up to it". Prosecutor Ian Dixey suggested Pearce should be prohibited from being in the same house as a child under 16 without supervision. However, the judge ruled that Pearce would be under some form of care upon his release, and an additional order was deemed unnecessary.

Pearce was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.