ELTON TOWNEND FROM ST ALBANS AND WISBECH SENTENCED FOR PAEDOPHILIA AND SEXUAL ABUSE
| Red Rose Database
Wisbech St Albans Rapist
In a case that has shocked the local communities of St Albans and Wisbech, Elton Townend, a prominent figure in the theatre scene, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young girl. The offences spanned from 2015 to 2020, during which Townend engaged in a disturbing pattern of sexual assault and rape against the victim, who was between the ages of 10 and 14 at the time.
Townend, aged 52 at the time of sentencing, was known in the St Albans arts community as a playwright, producer, and director. His involvement in the local theatre scene was significant, with many of his critically acclaimed works regularly performed at the Maltings Arts Theatre (MAT), where he had previously served as a marketing manager. His reputation as a leading figure in the arts was well established until these criminal allegations surfaced.
The abuse reportedly took place over a period of five years, from 2015 to 2020. The case only came to light when a relative of the victim noticed suspicious behavior and contacted the police, prompting an investigation. The details of the abuse revealed a disturbing pattern, with at least 25 instances of sexual assault involving penetration while the girl was under 13 years old. The severity of the crimes led to a series of legal proceedings that culminated in a significant sentencing.
On March 23, at Cambridge Crown Court, Townend-Jones was initially sentenced to 14 years in prison, with a one-year extended licence. However, this sentence was later increased on May 6 to 17 years after an appeal. The Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP, intervened by referring the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, arguing that the original punishment did not adequately reflect the gravity of the offences.
Following the appeal, on June 30, the Court of Appeal deemed the original sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it further to a total of 20 years’ imprisonment, with a one-year extended licence. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the crimes committed by Townend and the importance of delivering justice for the victim.
During the investigation, Townend was residing on Church Road in Wisbech, although he was previously based at Telford Court in St Albans. He was arrested in June 2020. During police interviews, he denied the allegations, claiming he did not understand why the girl would accuse him of rape or sexual assault. When questioned further, he chose to respond with ‘no comment’ to all inquiries.
Townend-Jones faced trial at Cambridge Crown Court in February, where the jury found him guilty of 11 counts, including three counts of rape and multiple counts of assaulting a child under the age of 13. The verdict marked a significant moment in the case, highlighting the extent of his criminal conduct.
In addition to his lengthy imprisonment, Townend was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will monitor any potential future offending. He was also subjected to a restraining order that prohibits him from contacting his victim, both measures being indefinite. The case has left a lasting impact on the communities of St Albans and Wisbech, raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding children and the need for vigilance against such predatory behavior.
Townend, aged 52 at the time of sentencing, was known in the St Albans arts community as a playwright, producer, and director. His involvement in the local theatre scene was significant, with many of his critically acclaimed works regularly performed at the Maltings Arts Theatre (MAT), where he had previously served as a marketing manager. His reputation as a leading figure in the arts was well established until these criminal allegations surfaced.
The abuse reportedly took place over a period of five years, from 2015 to 2020. The case only came to light when a relative of the victim noticed suspicious behavior and contacted the police, prompting an investigation. The details of the abuse revealed a disturbing pattern, with at least 25 instances of sexual assault involving penetration while the girl was under 13 years old. The severity of the crimes led to a series of legal proceedings that culminated in a significant sentencing.
On March 23, at Cambridge Crown Court, Townend-Jones was initially sentenced to 14 years in prison, with a one-year extended licence. However, this sentence was later increased on May 6 to 17 years after an appeal. The Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP, intervened by referring the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, arguing that the original punishment did not adequately reflect the gravity of the offences.
Following the appeal, on June 30, the Court of Appeal deemed the original sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it further to a total of 20 years’ imprisonment, with a one-year extended licence. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the crimes committed by Townend and the importance of delivering justice for the victim.
During the investigation, Townend was residing on Church Road in Wisbech, although he was previously based at Telford Court in St Albans. He was arrested in June 2020. During police interviews, he denied the allegations, claiming he did not understand why the girl would accuse him of rape or sexual assault. When questioned further, he chose to respond with ‘no comment’ to all inquiries.
Townend-Jones faced trial at Cambridge Crown Court in February, where the jury found him guilty of 11 counts, including three counts of rape and multiple counts of assaulting a child under the age of 13. The verdict marked a significant moment in the case, highlighting the extent of his criminal conduct.
In addition to his lengthy imprisonment, Townend was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will monitor any potential future offending. He was also subjected to a restraining order that prohibits him from contacting his victim, both measures being indefinite. The case has left a lasting impact on the communities of St Albans and Wisbech, raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding children and the need for vigilance against such predatory behavior.