ANTHONY HOWARD FROM MORTIMER ESCAPES SENTENCE IN CHILD ABUSE CASE AT READING CROWN COURT

In a highly emotional and complex case heard at Reading Crown Court, Anthony William Howard, a resident of Chapel Road, Mortimer, found himself at the center of a serious criminal matter involving allegations of indecency with a child. The proceedings revealed a troubling history linked to Howard, who was convicted of one count of indecency with a child, though his sentencing has been postponed to a later date.

The case was part of a broader investigation that also involved Edgar Wallace, an 82-year-old man residing with his carer in Jennets Hill, Standford Dingley. Wallace was accused of multiple offences of indecent assault and indecency with a child, committed in West Berkshire between 1954 and 1957. However, due to his severe health condition, specifically senile dementia, Wallace was deemed medically unfit to stand trial. Instead, the court conducted a 'trial of the facts,' a procedure used when a defendant cannot participate in a traditional trial due to health reasons.

During this process, Wallace was found to have committed numerous offences, though he was acquitted of attempted rape and one other indecent assault charge. The court heard that Wallace’s mental health had deteriorated to the point where he could no longer be held legally responsible for his actions. Despite this, Judge Ian Grainger expressed concern over the potential ongoing risk Wallace posed, given the nature of his past offences and the possibility that his urges might persist.

To mitigate future risks, the court imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) on Wallace. This order restricts his movements, particularly around areas such as schools, and prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with children. Statements from some of Wallace’s victims detailed the profound and lasting impact his abuse had on their lives, underscoring the seriousness of the offences committed decades ago.

Judge Grainger emphasized that, had Wallace been fit to stand trial, he would have faced a significant custodial sentence. The court also noted that Wallace, a former lorry driver and mechanic, had a prior criminal record involving sexual offences against children, which added weight to the gravity of the case.

Representing Wallace, Steve Molloy, who did not attend the hearing, stated that Wallace had endured hardships in prison, including degradation, physical assaults, and being subjected to abuse himself. Molloy suggested that these experiences might serve as some form of retribution or justice for Wallace’s past actions.

Despite the severity of the allegations and the historical nature of the offences, Judge Grainger ultimately decided that it was not appropriate to impose a supervision order on Wallace, given his current health status. Instead, he granted Wallace an absolute discharge, meaning he will not face further legal penalties at this time. The Sexual Harm Prevention Order, however, will remain in effect indefinitely, serving as a safeguard against any potential future risk.

Meanwhile, Howard’s co-defendant, Anthony Howard, faced a different outcome. The 66-year-old, known for his background as a garage mechanic and stock car racer from Pangbourne, was cleared of one count of indecency with a child but convicted of another related to incidents from the 1970s. Howard was released on conditional bail while pre-sentence reports are prepared, pending sentencing. The charges against him stem from allegations of misconduct during the 1970s, and his case continues to be closely monitored by authorities.