BARRY CROWLEY OF LUDG VAN SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN Penzance AND TRURO
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Ludgvan Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community and brought to light the devastating impact of long-standing abuse, Barry Crowley, a 75-year-old man from Ludgvan near Penzance, was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls. The crimes, spanning over three decades, were described by the presiding judge as an "appalling breach of trust" that left lasting scars on the victims.
Crowley's trial concluded at Truro Crown Court, where he faced multiple charges including four counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, three sexual assaults of a girl under the age of 13, and inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The court heard disturbing details of the abuse, which involved Crowley touching both victims in their vaginal areas and coercing them into masturbating him. The abuse was not confined to a single period but occurred at different times over the years, with the first victim recalling incidents from the 1970s.
The first victim recounted her memories of being sexually assaulted on four separate occasions during her childhood in the 1970s. She described how Crowley inappropriately touched her beneath her clothes and later performed sexual acts on her, including placing her hand on his penis and masturbating himself in her presence. Some of these assaults reportedly took place inside the lorry Crowley drove for work, adding a layer of betrayal given his role as a trusted figure in her life.
During the proceedings, Crowley's defense lawyer, Deni Matthews, argued that his client was in good health and, given his age, was likely to serve the remaining years of his life behind bars. Matthews also highlighted the profound impact the crimes had not only on the victims but also on Crowley's own family, emphasizing the personal toll of his actions.
Judge Robert Linford, in delivering the sentence, outlined the gravity of the case and the suffering endured by the victims. He noted that the first victim had struggled with depression, self-loathing, and guilt throughout her life, and criticized Crowley's lack of remorse, stating, "For years and decades your savage abuse of trust has haunted this girl. You have never uttered a word of remorse for what you have done." The judge also pointed out that Crowley's initial report of the abuse in the 1980s was inadequately handled by Derbyshire Constabulary, and it was only through the efforts of Devon and Cornwall Police that justice was finally served.
The second victim experienced similar emotional scars, including feelings of isolation, betrayal, and self-hatred. Judge Linford emphasized the broader impact of Crowley's actions, stating, "This case demonstrates how sexual abuse destroys the lives not just of the poor individuals abused but of the wider family around them. This was your doing."
In sentencing, Judge Linford ordered that Crowley's sentences for the first girl run concurrently, resulting in four years for each count and an additional 15 months for indecency. For the second girl, Crowley received four-month sentences for each count. The court then ordered that the sentences for each victim be served consecutively, culminating in a total imprisonment term of eight years for Crowley.
Crowley's trial concluded at Truro Crown Court, where he faced multiple charges including four counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, three sexual assaults of a girl under the age of 13, and inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The court heard disturbing details of the abuse, which involved Crowley touching both victims in their vaginal areas and coercing them into masturbating him. The abuse was not confined to a single period but occurred at different times over the years, with the first victim recalling incidents from the 1970s.
The first victim recounted her memories of being sexually assaulted on four separate occasions during her childhood in the 1970s. She described how Crowley inappropriately touched her beneath her clothes and later performed sexual acts on her, including placing her hand on his penis and masturbating himself in her presence. Some of these assaults reportedly took place inside the lorry Crowley drove for work, adding a layer of betrayal given his role as a trusted figure in her life.
During the proceedings, Crowley's defense lawyer, Deni Matthews, argued that his client was in good health and, given his age, was likely to serve the remaining years of his life behind bars. Matthews also highlighted the profound impact the crimes had not only on the victims but also on Crowley's own family, emphasizing the personal toll of his actions.
Judge Robert Linford, in delivering the sentence, outlined the gravity of the case and the suffering endured by the victims. He noted that the first victim had struggled with depression, self-loathing, and guilt throughout her life, and criticized Crowley's lack of remorse, stating, "For years and decades your savage abuse of trust has haunted this girl. You have never uttered a word of remorse for what you have done." The judge also pointed out that Crowley's initial report of the abuse in the 1980s was inadequately handled by Derbyshire Constabulary, and it was only through the efforts of Devon and Cornwall Police that justice was finally served.
The second victim experienced similar emotional scars, including feelings of isolation, betrayal, and self-hatred. Judge Linford emphasized the broader impact of Crowley's actions, stating, "This case demonstrates how sexual abuse destroys the lives not just of the poor individuals abused but of the wider family around them. This was your doing."
In sentencing, Judge Linford ordered that Crowley's sentences for the first girl run concurrently, resulting in four years for each count and an additional 15 months for indecency. For the second girl, Crowley received four-month sentences for each count. The court then ordered that the sentences for each victim be served consecutively, culminating in a total imprisonment term of eight years for Crowley.