DENNIS ATWELL FROM BURNHAM-ON-SEA SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN BRISTOL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Dennis Atwell, a man known for his active involvement in the Jehovah's Witnesses community in Burnham-on-Sea, was found guilty of heinous crimes against his own children. The conviction was handed down at Bristol Crown Court on the 21st of March, 1997, where Atwell, aged 58 at the time, received a prison sentence of eight years for his actions.

Atwell, a father of six and a married man for over 37 years, was once regarded as a respected member of the Jehovah's Witness congregation in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset. His reputation was shattered as evidence revealed a long history of abuse that spanned from 1966 to 1982. The court heard that he had committed multiple acts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, buggery, and incest involving his own children. Four of his six children were victims of his abuse, which was carried out repeatedly over the years.

During the trial, it was disclosed that Atwell had used threats of violence to silence his children, ensuring that none of them knew about the abuse inflicted on their siblings. This tactic of intimidation kept the victims isolated and prevented them from sharing their experiences with others. The emotional scars inflicted by Atwell's actions have left lasting trauma on his children, who have since come forward to speak out against their father.

While awaiting trial, Atwell was relocated by the Jehovah's Witnesses' Watchtower organization to Weston-Super-Mare, a seaside town near Burnham-on-Sea. Despite the allegations and his pending court case, he continued to attend meetings at the local Kingdom Hall and interacted freely with other congregation members and their children. His active participation within the religious community persisted, and he was assigned various locations where he could carry out his 'full-time ministry.' This involved knocking on doors and distributing religious literature, a role he maintained even amidst the ongoing legal proceedings.

The victims, now adults, have expressed feelings of emotional abuse not only from their father but also from the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. They believe that their cries for help were ignored or dismissed, which compounded their suffering. Their stories highlight the tragic failure of the community to protect vulnerable children and the lasting impact of abuse that can be concealed behind a facade of religious devotion.