JOHN VENN FROM WHEATHAMPSTEAD AND LODDISWELL JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Wheathampstead and Loddiswell, John Venn, a 56-year-old man with deep ties to both villages, was sentenced to 15 months in prison after being found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault against two young girls. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse carried out over several years, exploiting the trust placed in him by families he was supposed to care for and protect.

John Venn, who was once a well-known and respected figure in Wheathampstead, had built a reputation as a trusted carpenter and family friend. His wife, Sue, was employed by the same families, and the couple frequently babysat for their children, including the two girls at the center of the case. The court heard that these babysitting opportunities provided Venn with repeated chances to commit his offenses, as his wife sometimes struggled with mobility issues, prompting Venn to tuck the children into bed.

The first victim, now 24 years old, was a young teenager when the abuse began in 1992. During that period, Venn would indecently touch her, fondling her breasts during babysitting sessions or social gatherings. On at least one occasion, he assaulted her at a village fireworks display, touching her while others watched. The victim kept her silence for many years, fearing disbelief and social repercussions, until she finally found the courage to confide in her parents.

The second victim, who is now 13, was subjected to more serious assaults between 1999 and 2000. Like the first, she was reluctant to speak out initially, worried that her close family friend, Venn, would not be believed. Her silence persisted even after Venn and his wife moved from Wheathampstead to Loddiswell in Devon. However, her family noticed a change in her behavior—she had been previously athletic, lively, and outgoing, but became withdrawn and anxious. Her concerns grew when she feared an upcoming visit from Venn and his wife to her family home.

It was during this period that she confided in a school friend about the abuse, prompting the friend to alert authorities. The police acted swiftly, arresting Venn as soon as he returned to the UK from a trip abroad, specifically after he disembarked at Stansted Airport. Interestingly, neither family was aware of each other's involvement until the younger girl’s disclosure prompted the elder victim’s family to come forward and offer support.

During the court hearing, the prosecution detailed the extent of Venn’s misconduct, which spanned nearly a decade. The jury convicted him on four counts of indecent assault. Judge Findlay Baker QC emphasized the gravity of the case, stating that only a custodial sentence was appropriate given the seriousness of the offenses. Venn, who resided at Wright Close in Wheathampstead at the time of the crimes, was also ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.

In his defense, Ian Wade argued that Venn, who denied all charges, was unable to accept his guilt and maintained that his family still supported him. The judge’s decision reflects the community’s concern over the betrayal of trust by someone who was supposed to be a protector and caregiver for vulnerable children.