CHARLES DUNFORD FROM WALTHAM ABBEY SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CHESHUNT PUBLIC TOILETS

In a disturbing incident that took place in Cheshunt, a 70-year-old man named Charles Dunford, residing in Neal Court, Waltham Abbey, was involved in a serious sexual misconduct case that has garnered significant attention from local authorities and the community alike.

The incident occurred on April 6 of this year in Grundy Park, a popular recreational area in Cheshunt. According to court proceedings, Dunford approached a 14-year-old boy near the park's entrance around 6 pm. The young teenager had decided to use the public toilets located within the park when he was approached by Dunford, who attempted to initiate a conversation. The boy, feeling uncomfortable, chose to ignore Dunford and walk away from the situation.

However, Dunford did not desist. He followed the boy as he moved closer to the library area within the park. At this point, Dunford attempted to touch the teenager by placing his hand on the boy’s back. The young boy instinctively pushed Dunford away, recognizing the inappropriate nature of the contact and realizing he needed to use the restroom. As he entered a cubicle, he observed Dunford standing nearby at a urinal, allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior by fondling himself.

According to the court, Dunford then pushed the boy back into the cubicle and followed him inside. He made an attempt to kiss the teenager, who struggled to free himself from the older man’s grasp and managed to escape the situation. The following day, Dunford was located and arrested while sitting on a bench in Grundy Park.

During the court hearing at St Albans Crown Court, the prosecution, represented by David Baird, detailed the sequence of events and the nature of Dunford’s actions. Dunford, a former coach driver for a football club, admitted to a single charge of sexual activity with a child. The court was informed that Dunford had already spent 170 days in custody on remand prior to sentencing.

Judge John Plumstead sentenced Dunford to 12 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years. The judge also ordered that Dunford’s name be added to the sex offenders register for the next five years and explicitly stated that he must never work with children again. This case highlights the ongoing concerns about safeguarding children in public spaces and the importance of vigilance in community settings.