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VICTIMS OF CHILD ABUSE SPEAK OUT AFTER FARMER JOHN DURMAN OF NORTH NEWTON IS FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL OFFENCES
In May 2014, two women who endured sexual abuse by former milkman John Durman during their childhood publicly shared their painful experiences. They hope their stories will encourage others who have suffered in silence to come forward. Durman, aged 74 and residing on Moon Lane in North Newton, was convicted of five counts of indecent assault that occurred in the 1970s and 1980s after a trial held last month.One of the victims, who requested anonymity for legal reasons, spoke exclusively to the County Gazette. She reflected on her ordeal, describing it as "a horrific and harrowing ordeal. It’s stressful and we were blamed in our own way [during cross-examination]. We were accused of lying and making things up. If I knew what it entailed at the time, I might not have come forward, but I’m so glad I did. At least we have highlighted the fact that coming forward is not that bad, and hopefully others will be brave enough to seek justice, regardless of their circumstances."
Durman received an 18-month suspended prison sentence for his crimes. Throughout the three-week trial at Taunton Crown Court, he maintained his innocence and was acquitted of two additional counts of indecent assault and two counts of rape.
A second victim from Taunton commented, "I’ve heard he’s telling people it was dismissed because he was found not guilty on some counts and because he hasn’t gone to prison. An 18-month suspended sentence is not a lot – not for what he’s put us through – but we understand you can’t carry anger and resentment forever. He didn’t walk away entirely free, so it’s still a positive outcome."
The court heard that Durman abused three young girls, each under the age of 16 at the time of the offences. Prosecutor Peter Coombe explained that some charges date back to the 1970s, with others occurring approximately ten years later. The case revealed that Durman had kissed, cuddled, and inappropriately touched one of the victims, treating her as if she was much older.
Durman denied these allegations but was unanimously convicted by a jury on five of nine counts. As part of his sentencing, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years and received a two-year suspended sentence.
