ELDERLY PAEDOPHILE DENNIS PERRY OF BEEWBUSH ESCAPES JAIL SENTENCE IN HOVE

In December 2011, Dennis Perry, an 89-year-old man from Bewbush, was spared imprisonment after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Perry, whose address is listed as Coxcomb Walk, was found guilty last month and was sentenced at Hove Crown Court on December 5. The court imposed a six-month community order and required him to register as a sex offender for five years.

The incident involved Perry holding the young girl down on a bed and engaging in kissing and groping for approximately 15 minutes during the assault that occurred the previous year. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was reportedly pushed onto the bed despite her protests. Perry touched her on her bottom and breasts during the attack.

Representing Perry, solicitor Sarah Lindop argued that the act was unintentional, claiming, “There was no sexual intention,” and describing it as “ludicrous” to suggest that such a frail man could physically overpower the girl.

However, the jury convicted Perry after hearing that he told the girl it would be “our little secret.”

Judge Anthony Niblett, commenting on the victim’s bravery, described her as a “brave little soul,” noting that she “sobbed her heart out” after the assault.