GORDON CRACKNELL, NORFOLK WAR VETERAN, SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS FOR HISTORIC SEX OFFENCES

In May 2014, an 88-year-old war veteran, Gordon Cracknell, was sentenced to two years in prison for historic sex offences. Judge Stephen Holt described Cracknell as one of the oldest defendants to appear before the courts for such charges. Cracknell, a former member of the Home Guard during World War II, resided on School Road in Foulden, near Thetford. He was convicted of five counts of historic sexual abuse against two girls who were under 13 years old.

The trial revealed that Cracknell groomed his young victims by giving them sweets and money. He also kept donkeys, which served as an additional lure to attract children to visit him. The offences occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with one of the victims being approximately 10 or 11 years old at the time.

Delivering the sentence, Judge Holt acknowledged Cracknell's frailty, noting his health problems. The judge commented, “You must be one of the oldest to come before the crown court to be sentenced for this sort of thing.” He described the offences as historic and highlighted the use of “classic grooming” tactics, including offering treats and small sums of money. The judge also mentioned the donkeys as a means of drawing children.

Cracknell was recognized to have several health issues, including depression. As part of his sentence, he was placed on the sex offenders register and subject to a sexual offences prevention order.

Andrew Oliver, representing Cracknell, argued that his client was at low risk of re-offending. He emphasized Cracknell’s age of 88, his clean record, and the difficulties he would face in prison due to his health. Mr. Oliver also pointed out that Cracknell had served in the Home Guard during the war and urged for the shortest possible sentence, warning that Cracknell could lose his home upon conviction.

Overall, the case highlighted the severe consequences for Cracknell, taking into account his age, health, and the nature of his offences.