JOHN LASKEY OF WALTHAM ABBEY SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN ESSEX

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Waltham Abbey, John Laskey, aged 42, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to multiple counts of sexual assault and rape involving a young girl. The crimes took place over a period spanning from April 2011 to November of the previous year, and the court heard how Laskey subjected his victim to a prolonged period of abuse that left her with lasting psychological scars.

During the proceedings at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC did not hold back in condemning Laskey’s actions. He described the defendant as “wicked,” emphasizing the profound impact his crimes had on the young girl. The judge stated, “She’s mentally scarred and likely to remain so for the whole of her life. It was wicked selfishness.” The court was told that Laskey, who was battling a serious addiction to Class A drugs and alcohol, used threats and violence to control his victim. On one occasion, he threatened to kill her, and on another, he attacked her, leaving her with a black eye. There was also an incident where he began to strangle her, further illustrating the brutality of his conduct.

In court, Laskey pleaded guilty to nine counts of rape, engaging in sexual activity with the girl, and assault causing actual bodily harm. These offenses were committed in Waltham Abbey, and the court was informed of the extent of the trauma inflicted upon the young victim. Prior to the sentencing, Judge Goldstaub issued a stern warning to the public gallery, which included the victim herself. He cautioned that any strong emotional reactions should not interfere with the order of the court, warning that those who disrupted proceedings could face imprisonment. As Laskey was led away to serve his sentence, several individuals in the courtroom were visibly upset, with some weeping openly.

Outside the court, Laskey was described by witnesses as an “animal,” reflecting the community’s view of his actions. Prosecutor Peter Gair provided further details about the case, revealing that the victim was subjected to repeated rape and verbal abuse, which caused her to scream during the assaults. Gair recounted that Laskey once thanked her after an attack and gave her money, actions that further degraded her and made her feel worthless. The prosecutor also described how Laskey physically assaulted the girl, including the incident where he struck her with a black eye. Initially, she claimed she had fallen, but the truth emerged later, leading her to break down emotionally the following day.

It was also revealed that the girl kept a diary, initially intended for dreams, in which she documented the abuse she endured. Since the attacks, her life has been profoundly affected; she has struggled academically, found it difficult to concentrate, and has engaged in self-harm by cutting her legs and arms. She has also developed a fear of men, making it difficult for her to trust anyone.

Defense counsel Nichola Kafferkey acknowledged Laskey’s long-standing issues with drug and alcohol addiction, expressing remorse on his behalf. Despite this, the court made it clear that Laskey’s crimes warranted a severe punishment. In addition to the prison sentence, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and subjected to an indefinite sex offences prevention order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.