CHRISTOPHER WAKE FROM MYTCHETT JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN GUILDFORD

In a case that has shocked the local community of Mytchett and the surrounding areas, Christopher Wake, a resident of Thornyhurst Road in Mytchett, has been sentenced to prison after admitting to a series of heinous child abuse offences committed during the 1970s. The sentencing took place at Guildford Crown Court on Tuesday, July 26, following a detailed hearing that revealed the extent of Wake's disturbing past.

According to court records, Wake, who was employed as a delivery driver at the time, confessed to a total of nine child abuse charges involving two young boys. The court heard that the abuse against Victim A began when the boy was just six years old, marking a seven-year period of suffering that started in December 1970 and continued until December 1977. Wake admitted to five counts of indecent assault and one charge of indecency with a child during this period.

In addition, Wake also pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault against Victim B, which occurred between December 1973 and December 1975, when the boy was aged between 11 and 13. The court noted that three other charges of a similar nature, which were not specified during the proceedings, were ordered to remain on file by the judge.

It was further disclosed that Wake had previously served a two-year prison sentence in 1991 after pleading guilty to indecently assaulting a disabled boy. Despite this prior conviction, Wake’s past crimes only came to light during the recent proceedings, highlighting the long delay in reporting these offences. Victims A and B waited until they were adults, in 2010, before coming forward to police with their allegations, a delay that the prosecution acknowledged.

During the sentencing, Miss Recorder June Venters took the unusual step of addressing Victim A directly from the courtroom’s public gallery. She read a heartfelt statement from the victim, emphasizing how the abuse had profoundly affected his life. The judge reassured Victim A, stating, “What happened to you was not your fault. You were only a child at the time,” and added, “Your suffering has not gone unnoticed. You will receive justice for the significant harm you have suffered.”

Prosecutor Richard Barton described the nature of the abuse, which involved sexual touching, masturbation, and oral sex. He explained that neither boy disclosed the abuse at the time it occurred, with Wake allegedly telling Victim A, “This is our secret.” Despite Wake’s earlier conviction in 1991, the victims only reported their experiences many years later, which contributed to the delay in bringing him to justice.

Defense lawyer Keith Goodhand acknowledged the seriousness of the offences but pointed out that Wake had not re-offended since his previous imprisonment. He expressed that his client was eager to avoid dying in prison and recognized that Wake would face significant adverse publicity. However, he also emphasized that Wake accepted responsibility for his actions.

Judge Venters highlighted the psychological damage inflicted upon the victims, noting that all children subjected to sexual abuse are likely to suffer long-term mental health issues. She remarked that Victim A’s statement demonstrated the enduring impact of the abuse, including difficulties in forming relationships. Although Victim B did not submit a personal statement, the court recognized the profound and lasting harm caused to both victims.

Ultimately, Wake was sentenced to five years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.