LAWRENCE DUNN SENTENCED IN BURNHAM-ON-SEA FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

On Thursday, November 15, 2012, Lawrence Dunn, a 48-year-old former Police Community Support Officer from Axbridge Close in Burnham-on-Sea, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences committed against a young girl. The conviction followed a trial at Taunton Crown Court, which concluded on October 8, where Dunn was convicted of six counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of attempted sexual activity with a child.

These disturbing allegations surfaced after an investigation was initiated when a teenage girl disclosed that she had been subjected to abuse by Dunn in 2007. The investigation revealed that Dunn, while serving as a PCSO for Avon and Somerset Constabulary, engaged in inappropriate and criminal conduct towards the young girl during that year.

Detective Constable Rebecca Maddison provided a detailed account of the case, stating, “Lawrence Dunn was found guilty of eight offences of sexual contact with a child in October following a trial at Exeter Crown Court. He committed these crimes in 2007 while in post as a Police Community Support Officer for Avon and Somerset Constabulary.”

She emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting, “The court heard compelling evidence at this trial which highlighted the gross abuse of his position of trust. He had every opportunity to plead guilty following this investigation; instead, he chose to put his victim through the trauma of a trial. The jury found him guilty of eight of the nine charges he faced, and today he was sentenced to eight years imprisonment.”

It was also clarified that Dunn resigned from his position in 2008, shortly after the investigation into his conduct began. However, at the time of the offences, he was still employed as a PCSO, and the victim did not initially disclose the abuse, which limited the scope of the investigation at that stage.

Detective Maddison praised the victim’s bravery, stating, “It is down to the victim’s courage and bravery to speak about the abuse she suffered at the hands of Dunn, that he has been brought to justice for his offences and handed a sentence that reflects the severity of his actions. This sentence sends out a clear message to all that behaviour like this will not be tolerated.”

During the sentencing hearing, Right Honourable Judge Solomon addressed the court, remarking, “Dunn’s victim was vulnerable and there was a significant age gap between them. His actions were of the highest and grossest breach of trust. Dunn’s task and responsibility as a PCSO was to protect this young girl, and he did not.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Dunn was subjected to a lifetime Sex Offenders Prevention Order and was ordered to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the future.