DENNIS LONGMORE FROM KIDSGROVE SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR ABUSING TEENS

In a case that has shocked the community of Kidsgrove and the surrounding areas, Dennis Longmore, a 59-year-old resident of Third Avenue, Kidsgrove, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over a span of two decades. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse directed at three teenage girls, with Longmore subjecting his victims to a total of 15 counts of rape, alongside additional charges of indecent assault and indecency with a child.

Details of the case emerged after each of the victims independently contacted law enforcement authorities, prompting a thorough investigation into Longmore’s actions. The police uncovered a catalogue of abuse that had remained hidden for years, only coming to light through the brave testimonies of those affected. The court heard that Longmore’s predatory behavior involved removing his victims’ clothing before assaulting them sexually, and in some instances, forcing them to perform sex acts on him. The severity of the abuse left deep scars on the victims, with one survivor openly expressing her despair, stating that she had contemplated ending her life due to the trauma inflicted upon her.

Prosecutor Jason Aris emphasized the profound impact of Longmore’s crimes, noting that the victim had sought counseling and was prescribed anti-depressants as part of her recovery process. The court was also informed that Longmore’s mental health struggles extended beyond the courtroom, as he had attempted to take his own life on at least two occasions while in custody, requiring hospital treatment.

During the sentencing hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Judge Robert Trevor-Jones addressed the court and the community, condemning Longmore’s actions and the lasting damage caused to his victims. The judge highlighted that Longmore’s age and past actions had finally caught up with him, and he revealed that psychiatric assessments indicated a disturbing sexual attraction to young girls, deeming him a danger to society. The judge stated, “You’re 59 years old and effectively your past has caught up with you. I’ve read the psychiatric report and the pre-sentence report and it appears you have a sexual attraction to young girls. You are a danger.”

As a result, Longmore was sentenced to 13 years in prison, with an additional three years on license following his release. The court also ordered him to be disqualified from working with children for life and mandated his registration on the sex offenders’ register for the remainder of his life. The case underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement and social services to protect vulnerable members of the community. Detective Constable Debbie Gray of Staffordshire Police expressed her dedication to this cause, stating, “We are committed to protecting children and other vulnerable members of the community. We thoroughly investigate all allegations of sexual abuse, including historical cases, and work with partners to tackle these very serious crimes in a sensitive manner. Anyone with information about sexual abuse should contact the protecting vulnerable people department on 0300 1234455.”