DENNIS NELSON FROM LOWESTOFT SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF CHILD ABUSE IN IPSWICH
| Red Rose Database
Lowestoft Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the community of Lowestoft, 70-year-old Dennis Nelson was convicted of abusing two young children over a period spanning more than ten years. The victims, who were between the ages of four and six when the abuse began, endured a prolonged period of suffering at the hands of Nelson, whose actions have left deep scars.
Nelson, residing on Birds Lane in Lowestoft, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court where he received a total of eight separate jail sentences amounting to 15 years. Despite this seemingly lengthy sentence, the terms are set to run concurrently, with the longest individual sentence being three and a half years for the charge of indecent assault. This means Nelson could potentially be released after serving only half of that period, raising concerns among victims and their families about the severity of justice served.
During the sentencing, Judge David Goodin explained that because the offences occurred before October 1, 1997, the sentencing guidelines applicable at that time would govern Nelson’s punishment. The judge emphasized that the legal framework in place at the time limited the maximum penalties for such crimes, which has since been increased. Nelson, who was seen wearing glasses and kept his head bowed throughout the proceedings, had previously admitted to the charges of indecent assault and gross indecency during an earlier hearing.
It was noted that after the 1997 legal reforms, the maximum sentence for gross indecency with a child was raised from two to ten years, and for indecent assault on a child from five to ten years. Judge Goodin addressed Nelson directly, stating, “You are being sentenced under the sentencing regime when you committed these appalling offences. The insidious effect of that abuse was to make it very soon – all too soon – part of the nightmare of their respective childhoods. You robbed them of their childhood and inflicted upon them in adult lives disadvantages and disabilities in maintaining relationships of their own.”
One of Nelson’s victims, who was present in court, expressed her outrage at the sentence, describing it as “disgusting.” When asked about her feelings towards Nelson now, she responded with clear anger and hatred.
Prosecutor Michael Crimp revealed that two additional charges of sexual assault would be filed against Nelson, who was arrested last year following a police investigation prompted by the victims’ reports. The court heard that one victim was just five or six years old when the abuse started, while the other was between four and five. During the abuse, Nelson engaged in inappropriate acts, including rubbing himself against one of the children, which caused her to cry. Despite her protests and threats to tell someone, Nelson dismissed her concerns, claiming no one would believe her.
In mitigation, Richard Potts, Nelson’s defense lawyer, acknowledged the gravity of the crimes, describing them as “an appalling catalogue of abuse going on over a period of time.” He also revealed that following Nelson’s arrest, he had attempted to take his own life by overdosing on paracetamol and attempting hanging, highlighting the profound impact of his actions and subsequent remorse.
Overall, the case has left a lasting impact on the community of Lowestoft, with many questioning whether justice has been fully served given the potential for early release. The victims, meanwhile, continue to grapple with the trauma inflicted upon them during their childhoods.
Nelson, residing on Birds Lane in Lowestoft, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court where he received a total of eight separate jail sentences amounting to 15 years. Despite this seemingly lengthy sentence, the terms are set to run concurrently, with the longest individual sentence being three and a half years for the charge of indecent assault. This means Nelson could potentially be released after serving only half of that period, raising concerns among victims and their families about the severity of justice served.
During the sentencing, Judge David Goodin explained that because the offences occurred before October 1, 1997, the sentencing guidelines applicable at that time would govern Nelson’s punishment. The judge emphasized that the legal framework in place at the time limited the maximum penalties for such crimes, which has since been increased. Nelson, who was seen wearing glasses and kept his head bowed throughout the proceedings, had previously admitted to the charges of indecent assault and gross indecency during an earlier hearing.
It was noted that after the 1997 legal reforms, the maximum sentence for gross indecency with a child was raised from two to ten years, and for indecent assault on a child from five to ten years. Judge Goodin addressed Nelson directly, stating, “You are being sentenced under the sentencing regime when you committed these appalling offences. The insidious effect of that abuse was to make it very soon – all too soon – part of the nightmare of their respective childhoods. You robbed them of their childhood and inflicted upon them in adult lives disadvantages and disabilities in maintaining relationships of their own.”
One of Nelson’s victims, who was present in court, expressed her outrage at the sentence, describing it as “disgusting.” When asked about her feelings towards Nelson now, she responded with clear anger and hatred.
Prosecutor Michael Crimp revealed that two additional charges of sexual assault would be filed against Nelson, who was arrested last year following a police investigation prompted by the victims’ reports. The court heard that one victim was just five or six years old when the abuse started, while the other was between four and five. During the abuse, Nelson engaged in inappropriate acts, including rubbing himself against one of the children, which caused her to cry. Despite her protests and threats to tell someone, Nelson dismissed her concerns, claiming no one would believe her.
In mitigation, Richard Potts, Nelson’s defense lawyer, acknowledged the gravity of the crimes, describing them as “an appalling catalogue of abuse going on over a period of time.” He also revealed that following Nelson’s arrest, he had attempted to take his own life by overdosing on paracetamol and attempting hanging, highlighting the profound impact of his actions and subsequent remorse.
Overall, the case has left a lasting impact on the community of Lowestoft, with many questioning whether justice has been fully served given the potential for early release. The victims, meanwhile, continue to grapple with the trauma inflicted upon them during their childhoods.