JERSEY MAN SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS IN FARNHAM
A man from Jersey named Geoffrey Welland, aged 78 and residing in St Martin, was handed a seven-year prison sentence and was also registered on the indefinite sex offenders register.His conviction resulted from his guilt in committing eight historical sexual offences against two young girls, who were five and nine years old at the time.
These incidents took place between 1967 and 1975 at homes located in Farnham and Aldershot.
The charges included seven counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 and one count of gross indecency with a girl under 14.
The victims suffered prolonged sexual abuse over many years; one only came forward in April 2012, after initially hesitating to report the assault.
She later revisited her decision in 2017, suggesting there might have been a second victim.
Surrey Police’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team confirmed the repeated abuse by Welland, emphasizing how serious and extensive his actions were.
The judge described the offences as profoundly life-altering and highlighted the severe breach of trust that caused significant psychological damage.
The sentence also aimed to send a message that Surrey Police would continue to investigate historical sexual abuse allegations, regardless of how much time had elapsed.
The NSPCC issued a statement condemning Welland’s conduct, commending the bravery of the victims, and providing contact information for ongoing support and reporting services.
