JESSE MASTERS FROM STOWMARKET SENTENCED TO NEARLY SEVEN YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN SUFFOLK

In a significant case that has resonated deeply within the community of Stowmarket and the wider Suffolk area, Jesse Masters, a 63-year-old man, has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison for a series of heinous child abuse offenses. The charges against Masters, which date back to the 1980s, include multiple counts of sexual assault and indecency involving young girls, and his conviction marks a crucial step in the ongoing fight against child abuse.

Masters, who resides on Edgar Avenue in Stowmarket, initially faced a total of eight charges. These included two counts of raping a female under the age of 16, four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, and two charges of inciting a girl under 14 to commit gross indecency. The allegations were brought to light after a victim, who showed remarkable courage in coming forward, detailed her traumatic experiences from decades earlier.

At Ipswich Crown Court, Masters initially pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, on July 28, during a court hearing, he changed his plea on three of the offences. He admitted to two counts of indecent assault and one count of gross indecency with a child. The remaining five charges, including the two counts of rape, were formally laid aside and will be laid on file, meaning they will not proceed to trial.

Judge Rupert Overbury presided over the sentencing, which took place at Ipswich Crown Court. The court heard the details of the case, and the severity of the crimes was clearly reflected in the length of the sentence handed down to Masters. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offences and the impact on the victims, acknowledging the courage it took for the victim to come forward after so many years.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Brian Malster of Suffolk Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit issued a statement praising the victim’s bravery. He said, “The victim in this case was incredibly brave to come forward and detail the catalogue of abuse she was subjected to at a young age. Suffolk Police take all reports such as these seriously, no matter how long ago the offences took place, and we provide ongoing support to the victim. We welcome the sentencing at court of Masters, which reflects the severity of the offences, and we hope this will help the victim as she tries to come to terms with what she had to endure at his hands.”

Masters was arrested in Stowmarket on July 6 of the previous year. After being questioned about the allegations, he was released on bail while further investigations were carried out. He was formally charged on December 12 and made his first court appearance at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court on January 8. Subsequently, his case was transferred to Ipswich Crown Court for trial and sentencing.