ANTHONY WILSON INNSWORTH PENSIONER SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Innsworth and the wider Gloucestershire area, Anthony Wilson, a pensioner residing on Chaffinch Close in Innsworth, has been sentenced to a total of five and a half years in prison after being found guilty of multiple counts of sexual abuse spanning over fifty years.

Wilson's criminal history includes a probation order issued in 1993 for molesting an eight-year-old girl. However, investigations revealed that his abusive behavior predates that incident by several years. Between 1968 and 1972, Wilson engaged in a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse against a girl aged between 11 and 15, a period during which he repeatedly assaulted her over a four-year span.

Adding to the gravity of his offenses, Wilson was also convicted of abusing a different young girl last year. This victim, under the age of 13, was subjected to a year-long period of sexual assault from January to December 2013. Wilson pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault related to the incidents from the late 1960s and early 1970s, as well as admitting to the recent sexual assault.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Jamie Tabor QC described Wilson’s actions as “despicable” and delivered a stern judgment. He sentenced Wilson to two years for the historic offenses and an additional three and a half years for the recent assault, to be served consecutively. The judge emphasized the disturbing nature of Wilson’s repeated abuse, stating, “The picture that has emerged today is a very grim one indeed. You have forced yourself on three girls during the last forty-odd years.”

Judge Tabor also referenced Wilson’s previous guilty plea in 1994 for assaulting one of his victims, noting that Wilson had previously admitted to abusing a girl in the 1960s and 1970s, although the victim at that time chose not to proceed with prosecution. The judge remarked on the change in circumstances, highlighting that the victim from the recent case had decided to come forward after Wilson’s latest offenses came to light.

Furthermore, the judge imposed an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, restricting Wilson’s future interactions with children unless a parent explicitly consents and is aware of his criminal record. Wilson was also ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

In his defense, Stephen Parker, Wilson’s legal representative, stated that his client was struggling to come to terms with his offending behavior. Parker indicated that Wilson wished to understand the reasons behind his actions and sought help to prevent any future offenses. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Innsworth, raising concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.