IVOR JENSEN FROM EASTWOOD SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF TWO GIRLS OVER EIGHT YEARS

In March 1999, a disturbing case involving a former resident of Eastwood culminated in the sentencing of Ivor Jensen, a 53-year-old man convicted of multiple serious offences related to the abuse of two young girls. Jensen, who previously worked as a lorry driver, was found guilty by a jury of committing attempted rape, indecent assault, and acts of indecency with a child. However, he was acquitted of the charge of rape.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Frank Lockhart addressed Jensen directly, describing the offences as "really dreadful" and emphasizing the profound impact they had on the victims. The judge explained that the crimes created an atmosphere of fear, not through physical threats, but through psychological intimidation that deeply affected the two young girls. He remarked that these traumatic experiences likely contributed significantly to the various psychological issues the victims have endured over the years.

The abuse spanned a period of at least eight years, with the victims now in their twenties. One of the girls tearfully recounted how the abuse began when she was just nine years old and continued until she was 17. She described the ongoing nature of Jensen’s misconduct and the emotional scars it left behind. The second girl revealed that Jensen had committed indecent acts with her while she was still a schoolgirl. She also disclosed that Jensen once attempted to rape her, but she managed to thwart his efforts by pretending she had heard others nearby, which caused him to stop.

One of the victims shared that, since the abuse, she had suffered severe mental health struggles, including twice attempting to overdose and developing anorexia. These personal accounts underscored the long-lasting trauma inflicted by Jensen’s actions.

Throughout the trial, Jensen maintained his innocence, denying all charges and claiming that the accusations were entirely false and fabricated by the girls. Despite his protests, the jury found him guilty based on the evidence presented.

At the time of sentencing, Jensen’s address was listed as a bail hostel in Ipswich. The court sentenced him to seven years in prison for the attempted rape charge. Additionally, he received concurrent sentences of five years and 18 months for the other offences, ensuring he would serve a substantial period behind bars for his crimes.