ANTONY DOWNES SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SHREWSBURY SEXUAL ASSAULTS

In a significant case heard at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Antony Downes, a 65-year-old man with a disturbing history as a sex offender, was handed down a sentence of ten years behind bars for the heinous crimes committed against a young girl. The courtroom was filled with emotion as the victim, displaying remarkable bravery, recounted the profound and lasting impact that Downes's actions have had on her life.

She described feeling overwhelmed by the trauma, stating, “It has affected me mentally, physically and emotionally. I sometimes ask myself ‘is this my life?’ I looked like a victim… lifeless.” Her words underscored the deep scars left by the assault and the ongoing struggle to recover from such a traumatic experience.

The court proceedings revealed that Downes had engaged in multiple acts of sexual misconduct, including groping the girl’s buttocks and breasts, as well as molesting her private parts. The victim’s testimony painted a harrowing picture of the abuse she endured, which she was forced to relive during the trial. This was particularly distressing because Downes denied the charges, compelling her to face the ordeal in a courtroom filled with strangers, adding to her emotional distress.

The judge’s ruling reflected the gravity of the crimes committed and emphasized the importance of safeguarding victims from predators like Downes. The sentence aims to serve as a stern warning to others and to reinforce the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from sexual abuse.