GARY WENHAM OF ROTHERFIELD SHOCKS EAST SUSSEX WITH SEXUAL ABUSE REVELATION

In a deeply distressing case that has sent shockwaves through the small village of Rotherfield, East Sussex, a man named Gary Wenham, aged 49, has admitted to a series of serious sexual offenses against a young girl. The victim, now 18 years old and working as a civil servant, bravely shared her harrowing story last night, revealing that Wenham, a church verger and former choirmaster at St Denys Church in Rotherfield, had subjected her to a prolonged period of abuse spanning over a decade.

She recounted that her ordeal began when she was just six years old and continued until she was 17. For many years, she kept silent out of fear, unable to confide in her family or close friends. Her silence was driven by intimidation and manipulation, as Wenham had ingrained a sense of fear in her, warning her that disclosing the abuse would lead to violence. Her emotional account painted a picture of a childhood stolen from her, with Wenham's actions robbing her of innocence and childhood joy.

The young woman described how Wenham initially lured her into his home after church services, offering her a glass of orange juice. What started as seemingly innocent social visits quickly turned sinister. She explained, “He would start by fondling and touching, and it ended with him sexually assaulting me on many, many occasions.” Her voice trembling, she added, “When I got older, he would threaten me, saying that if I didn’t do what he wanted, he would beat me up. He claimed he had been in the army.”

Her background was marked by family instability, as her parents had split up when she was young. She admitted that she lacked a clear understanding of male roles within a family structure, which made her vulnerable to Wenham’s manipulation. “He was stepping in, and I looked up to him,” she said. “I thought I should do anything he wanted to keep him happy, and he played on that. He always told me not to tell anybody, and at that age, you do what you are told. I didn’t know any better.”

The girl, who met Wenham through his involvement with St Denys Church, described her feelings of isolation and fear. “I used to look around at school and wonder, ‘Who the hell does it happen to here?’” she said. “I began to realize that I was alone. But I was terrified to say anything because I was afraid of him, of what he might do. He was always at my church.”

Her mental health deteriorated over time, leading to a nervous breakdown. She is still under psychiatric care. It was only after a friend persuaded her to report the abuse to the police that she found the courage to come forward.

In court yesterday, Wenham pleaded guilty to two charges of indecently assaulting the girl when she was under 15 years old. The magistrates at Mark Cross, East Sussex, heard that Wenham’s assaults included acts of sexual intercourse, a revelation that underscores the severity of his crimes. The court was informed that Wenham had previously been involved in a sex-related case; in 1960, he was placed on probation by magistrates at Uckfield for indecently assaulting a nine-year-old boy.

The magistrates decided to adjourn the case until April 14 for social inquiry reports and have remanded Wenham on bail pending further proceedings. The community and church officials are now grappling with the implications of Wenham’s actions, especially given his longstanding involvement with the church community in Rotherfield.

When approached for comment, the vicar of St Denys, Reverend Bruce Hayllor, declined to specify whether Wenham would continue his duties at the church. He stated, “That is my business. You will have to come to church on Sunday to find out.” The case has raised questions about safeguarding and the vetting process within the church community, as residents and parishioners await further developments.