FRANCIS NEESON PLEADS GUILTY TO RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN PECKHAM AND PETERBOROUGH

In a harrowing case that spans over a decade, Francis Neeson, aged 50, of County Road, Hampton Vale, Peterborough, has been sentenced to a total of ten years in prison for heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The crimes took place at an address in Peckham, South London, where Neeson preyed on the victim from the tender age of five.

It was only in 2005 that the victim, now in her 30s, decided to come forward and report the abuse to the police, having kept her suffering secret for many years. Her courage in revealing the traumatic experiences was met with a court hearing at Southwark Crown Court, where the details of her ordeal were laid bare.

The court heard that Neeson engaged in a pattern of disturbing behavior, which included frequent touching and fondling of the young girl, culminating in a rape when she was just five years old. The victim recounted how Neeson would sneak into her bedroom during the night, slipping into her bed while she slept, and assault her in the darkness. Her testimony was emotionally charged, as she sobbed while describing her fear and the lasting impact of the abuse.

She explained, “He took away my childhood. I would be put to bed at about 6pm or 7pm and he would come into the sofa bed where I slept. I would wake up when he started touching me. It was very painful and frightening.” Her words underscored the profound trauma inflicted upon her at such a young age.

During the trial, Neeson admitted to sexually assaulting the girl when she was 16, but he denied any offenses committed before that time. Despite his claims that the victim was lying, the court found him guilty of one count of serious sexual assault covering the period from June 9, 1982, to June 1983, and six counts of indecent assault between June 9, 1982, and June 8, 1988. Additionally, he pleaded guilty in 1990 to one count of indecent assault.

Judge John Price sentenced Neeson to six years in prison for the serious sexual assault, with an additional four years to run concurrently for the indecent assault charges. In his sentencing remarks, the judge emphasized the extent of Neeson’s misconduct, stating, “Your attacks numbered hundreds in total. What you did has eaten away at your victim throughout her life.”

Judge Price also commended the victim for her bravery in coming forward and giving evidence during the trial. Addressing her directly, he expressed gratitude, saying, “I would like to thank you for having the courage and bravery to bring these awful matters to the attention of the authorities. I hope the jury’s decision to convict the man responsible will give you some freedom.”

This case highlights the long-lasting scars of childhood abuse and the importance of victims finding the strength to seek justice, even after many years of silence.