MICHAEL WHEADON SENTENCED IN CHICKERELL FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN WEYMOUTH

In January 2003, Michael Grant Wheadon, a farmer residing in Knights in the Bottom, Chickerell, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being convicted of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a young girl from Weymouth. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of misconduct that spanned several years, during which Wheadon assaulted the girl multiple times, starting when she was just seven years old and continuing until she reached 14.

Judge John Beashel, presiding over the case at Bournemouth Crown Court, addressed Wheadon directly, stating that he had robbed the girl of her innocence through his actions. Wheadon, aged 56, was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault and three counts of indecency. The court's verdict was the culmination of a trial that included testimonies from the victim, who expressed her relief at seeing Wheadon sentenced. She stated, “I am satisfied with the sentence. I hope his punishment of prison will make him learn his lesson and that he will never hurt anyone again. He took seven years of my life and now he is paying for what he did.”

The victim, who now works in both Dorchester and Weymouth, also shared her feelings about the case, saying, “Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I feel it has been brought to a close. It is time to move on and rebuild my life.” Her words reflected a sense of closure and a desire to move forward after enduring years of trauma.

Wheadon, who is married and has daughters, received a sentence of three and a half years, with half of that sentence suspended, allowing for his release on licence. Additionally, the court mandated that Wheadon be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and disqualified him from working with children. Judge Beashel emphasized the gravity of the crimes, noting the impact on the victim and the seriousness of the offenses. He acknowledged the character references presented during the trial, some of which portrayed Wheadon in a positive light, but reaffirmed that the jury’s verdict was final. “You abused this girl and after many years she revealed what had been happening. You robbed her of her innocence. It was an extremely serious matter and only a custodial sentence can be justified,” the judge stated.

Wheadon’s legal representative, Ian Ross, maintained that his client still maintained his innocence and had considerable support from friends, family, and community members. Despite this, the jury’s decision stood, and Wheadon was convicted of the charges. He was found not guilty of one charge of indecency and two counts of indecent assault, but the court ordered that two additional charges, on which the jury could not reach a verdict, remain on file without a re-trial. The case underscores the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by survivors in seeking closure and accountability.