LAWRENCE GRAHAM FROM REDBRIDGE SENTENCED TO 20 MONTHS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF NINE-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SOUTH WOODFORD

In a case that has shocked the local community of Redbridge, Lawrence Graham, a 53-year-old resident of High Road, South Woodford, has been sentenced to a prison term of 20 months following his conviction for the sexual abuse of a young girl. The incident, which took place over four decades ago, was brought to light during a court hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

The court was informed that Graham's abusive actions targeted a girl who was only nine years old at the time. The abuse occurred between the years 1976 and 1977, a period during which the young victim was vulnerable and unaware of the full extent of the harm being inflicted upon her. The details of the case revealed that Graham committed two separate acts of indecent assault on the child, both of which he later admitted to and pleaded guilty to in court.

Graham faced charges on two counts of indecent assault on a child under the age of 13. In a decision that reflected the seriousness of his crimes, the court sentenced him to 20 months in prison for each count. These sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will serve the full term for both charges simultaneously. The court also imposed a 10-year notification requirement, which obligates Graham to register as a sex offender and adhere to certain restrictions and reporting duties for a decade.

His guilty plea and the nature of the charges highlight the gravity of the offenses committed. The case underscores the importance of justice for victims of childhood abuse, regardless of how many years have passed since the incidents occurred. Graham's sentencing serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by authorities to address and penalize sexual offenses, even those committed many years ago.