DENIS PORTMAN SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN POWICK AND WORCESTER

In a case that has shocked the community of Powick and the surrounding Worcester area, Denis Portman, a 77-year-old caretaker and parish hall employee, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses. The conviction follows a detailed trial at Worcester Crown Court, where a jury found Portman guilty of eight counts of rape and eight additional charges of indecency involving young girls.

Throughout the proceedings, Portman displayed visible distress, shaking violently in the dock as Judge John Cavell delivered the sentence. The judge described Portman’s actions as “the most appalling abuse,” specifically highlighting the case of a schoolgirl victim who was between 11 and 14 years old at the time of the assaults. The girl is currently receiving treatment in a psychiatric facility, underscoring the severe psychological impact of the abuse.

Further disturbing details emerged during the trial, revealing that Portman also assaulted two 15-year-old French exchange students who had been staying at his residence under a foreign exchange program. These incidents took place in a hot tub in 2009, where the students were wearing underwear at the time. The victims reported feeling traumatized and deeply uncomfortable following the attacks, which have left lasting scars.

Judge Cavell emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “This was one of the most serious cases of repeated sexual abuse that the court has heard in quite some time. It’s difficult to imagine a greater betrayal of trust.” He also noted that Portman had threatened the schoolgirl to prevent her from disclosing the abuse, adding a layer of intimidation and coercion to his crimes.

As part of his sentence, Portman is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. Additionally, he is subject to a sexual offences prevention order that prohibits any contact with children under the age of 16. After the sentencing, two dock officers had to assist Portman in standing and escort him to the cells, indicating the emotional and physical toll of the proceedings.

Prosecutor Abigail Nixon revealed that the schoolgirl victim had been so deeply affected that she entered psychiatric care shortly after police interviews. She had attempted suicide three times—once by drowning and twice by hanging—and had also engaged in self-harm with a knife. Despite her suffering, the victim reportedly expressed no hostility towards Portman and did not wish for him to be imprisoned. Her mother, meanwhile, is reported to be on medication for depression.

Medical evidence presented during the trial supported the victim’s account, with a paediatrician noting “chronic changes” in her body consistent with her claims of abuse. The French students, meanwhile, described feeling traumatized and very uncomfortable following their experiences in the hot tub, which they said occurred in 2009 while they were wearing underwear.

Portman, who has been married to his wife Marion for nearly 40 years, maintained that he was incapable of having sex due to prostate cancer. He dismissed the students’ allegations as rude trouble-making and claimed to have hosted students from various nations for over three decades, emphasizing his long-standing role in the community.

During the defense, lawyer Adam Western argued that Portman’s potential risk to the public could be managed through court orders rather than a lengthy prison sentence. However, the court’s decision to impose a 16-year term reflects the severity of the crimes committed.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Mike Denman of Worcester CID’s public protection unit praised the victims’ bravery in coming forward and seeing the case through to its conclusion. He described the sentence as an “excellent result,” highlighting the importance of justice for the victims and the community of Powick and Worcester.