Self-confessed 'dirty old man' jailed for child sex offences

SELF-CONFESSED 'DIRTY OLD MAN' JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

A paedophile identified as Bertram Way, aged 77, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a series of sexual assault offences committed against a girl who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The court heard that Way, a self-confessed "dirty old man," sexually abused the young girl over a span of four years, from when she was seven until she was 11 years old.

The incidents took place while he was in a position of trust.

During the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, prosecutor Peter Henry revealed that Way had offered to increase her pocket money in exchange for complying with his desires and told her not to tell anyone.

The abuse occurred between 1994 and 1999 but only came to light after the victim confided in a school friend, having previously been too frightened to speak out.

On arrest, Way broke down in tears and admitted to the offences.

He pleaded guilty to three charges of indecent assault and three of indecency with a child.

The judge described the crimes as "very distasteful," noting that they were planned and involved grooming the victim to remain silent.

The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offences and Way’s apparent lack of understanding of their gravity, concluding with a sentence of three years imprisonment, alongside an order for indefinite registration as a sex offender.