CYRIL MALLABONE'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN PLUMSTEAD AND BEYOND: COURT SENTENCE SPARKS OUTRAGE

In a case that has shocked the local community and ignited widespread outrage, Cyril Mallabone, an 81-year-old man from Plumstead, was recently sentenced after admitting to a long history of abusing young girls over several decades. The case, which has garnered significant media attention, highlights the tragic impact of his crimes on his victims and raises serious questions about the justice system's handling of such offenses.

Teresa Mallabone, a 44-year-old woman residing on Woolwich Road in Woolwich, courageously chose to waive her right to anonymity to speak out against her stepfather’s actions. Her emotional testimony was delivered in the aftermath of the court proceedings, where she expressed her profound anger and disappointment over the leniency shown to Cyril Mallabone. She left the courtroom in tears, visibly distressed by the sentence handed down, which she believed was insufficient given the gravity of his crimes.

According to court records, Cyril Mallabone had a disturbing history of sexual abuse spanning from 1960 until his arrest in 1998. His victims included young girls he molested in various locations, including in baths, in their beds, and even in public streets. Among those affected was Teresa herself, as well as her daughter Lisa, who was only 11 years old at the time of her abuse. The court heard that Mallabone had pleaded guilty to five specific counts of sexual assault involving four children, with additional charges of indecent assault and rape left on file, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior.

Judge Alan Hitching, presiding over the case at Blackfriars Crown Court, sentenced Mallabone to a three-year community rehabilitation order. The judge explained that the decision was influenced by the fact that Mallabone was responding to treatment and was the sole caregiver for his housebound wife. The judge acknowledged the devastating effects of the abuse, stating, “Clearly these things have destroyed young lives, destroyed their sense of self-worth.”

During the proceedings, psychiatrist Dr. Lucy Power provided insight into Mallabone’s psychological state, describing his condition as an “addiction” to sex offending. She noted that he was not suicidal but expressed a desire to have a heart attack or even wished to have his limbs amputated as a form of remorse or self-punishment. This disturbing testimony underscored the complex mental health issues involved in the case.

Legal representatives for Mallabone, including defense counsel Wendy Fisher Gordon, urged the court to consider the probation service’s recommendation for a community-based sentence. She warned that a custodial sentence would be a “heavy sanction” for an elderly man and suggested that if imprisonment was unavoidable, it should be a life sentence. However, the judge ultimately decided on the community order, emphasizing the lasting damage caused to the victims.

Teresa revealed that all four of Mallabone’s victims are now on anti-depressants, a testament to the profound psychological scars left by his abuse. She described her ongoing nightmares, where her daughter Lisa, now 23, is depicted as a young girl screaming for help, with the image of the “monster” looming behind her. Her words reflect the deep trauma and sense of helplessness that continue to haunt her and her family.

As the community grapples with the implications of this case, many are questioning whether the justice system’s response was adequate. The case of Cyril Mallabone serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of vigilant legal and mental health interventions to protect vulnerable children from predators.