JOHN SLATER, THE SERIAL SEX ABUSER FROM TERRINGTON ST CLEMENT, SENTENCED TO ADDITIONAL 14.5 YEARS IN NORWICH

In a significant development in the ongoing fight against sexual offenses, John Slater, a 73-year-old man from Terrington St Clement, has been handed an extended prison sentence of fourteen and a half years at Norwich Crown Court. This sentencing follows his previous incarceration for eight and a half years, which was related to a series of heinous sex crimes committed against young children.

Slater, who has been labeled a “serial sexual abuser” by the court, was convicted after a detailed trial that revealed his involvement in nine separate sex offenses. These crimes targeted four young girls and one young boy, with the court hearing evidence that painted a disturbing picture of his predatory behavior. Despite denying all allegations, the jury found him guilty of all charges, emphasizing the severity and repeated nature of his offenses.

During the proceedings, it was disclosed that Slater had previously moved from Terrington St Clement to Spain in 2004. It was during this period that allegations first surfaced against him in 2004, but at that time, the case was not pursued further. Slater was living in Spain when the initial accusations arose, and he was convicted there in November 2011 of abusing a young girl. He received an eight-and-a-half-year sentence in Spain and served part of it before returning to the United Kingdom to complete his term.

The court heard that the allegations against Slater resurfaced when additional complaints were made, leading to his re-arrest and subsequent charges in May of the previous year. Prosecutor Andrew Shaw described Slater as “a man who, over a decade, has serially sexually abused children,” highlighting the long-standing and repeated nature of his criminal conduct.

It was also revealed that Slater had a prior conviction dating back to 1974 for engaging in sexual activity with a 12-year-old girl, further underscoring his history of offending. The court was told that Slater’s actions involved grooming his victims, often by providing them with alcohol and showing them pornographic films before subjecting them to sexual abuse. The victims ranged in age from as young as three or four years old to around seven or eight, with some of the abuse occurring when they were very young.

Judge Stephen Holt sentenced Slater, emphasizing the devastating impact his actions had on the victims’ lives. The judge pointed out that Slater’s age and health would likely mean he would spend the rest of his days in prison, as he is unlikely to be released until he is over 80 years old. The judge also noted that Slater was at high risk of reoffending, but that any danger he might pose to the public would be managed during his incarceration.

Representing Slater, Hugh Mullan, highlighted his client’s ill health, stating that Slater would be in his 80s by the time of potential release, which could effectively mean he spends his remaining years behind bars. Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Elaine Goodall expressed relief and commendation for the victims’ bravery. She acknowledged the long wait for justice, which was partly due to the time taken for the Spanish legal process to conclude, and praised the witnesses for their courage in giving evidence during the trial.

Overall, the case underscores the importance of persistent investigation and international cooperation in bringing serial offenders like John Slater to justice, ensuring that victims receive the recognition and protection they deserve.