NEIL TURNER FROM DORCHESTER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILD NEAR DORCHESTER

In a case that has shocked the community of Dorchester, Neil Richard Turner, a 21-year-old man residing on Kings Road, was sentenced to a total of two years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl. The offences took place over a period spanning from December 31, 2009, to April 1 of the following year, at the victim’s home near Dorchester.

Turner’s conviction was secured after a jury deliberated and found him guilty of two separate charges of sexual assault against the young girl. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of the abuse, which the girl, now aged eight, bravely recounted during her testimony. She described how she was in bed when Turner, who was 19 at the time of the incidents, entered her room and initiated a disturbing interaction by asking if she wanted to play a ‘dare game’.

According to her account, Turner told her that the dare was to kiss him on the lips. She stated that he then approached her and began to kiss her. The girl further explained that during this act, Turner sexually touched her underneath her pyjamas, an act that has caused significant distress and concern.

The court heard that the offences occurred at the victim’s home near Dorchester, a location that added to the community’s sense of betrayal and outrage. Following the conviction, police officers publicly praised the young girl for her courage in speaking out about her ordeal, emphasizing the importance of her bravery in bringing the case to justice.

During the sentencing hearing at Dorchester Crown Court, Turner’s legal representative, Francesca Da Costa, argued that her client was a young man of previously good character. She pointed out that during the assaults, there was no violence or force involved, and the kisses were quick, with no evidence of forcing his tongue into her mouth. Da Costa acknowledged that the more serious count involved a single incident but emphasized Turner’s lack of education and his willingness to work towards rebuilding his life.

Judge Roger Jarvis, presiding over the case, expressed deep concern about Turner’s actions and his attitude. He stated, “I have got to tell you, Mr. Turner, that I am deeply worried about you. The young girl’s family thought they could trust you – sadly, their trust was misplaced. Whilst they were out, you took the opportunity to sexually assault this little girl of under seven years. This would be bewildering and deeply upsetting to her and who knows what impact that will have on her as she becomes older. It’s plain that all of this has had a very horrific effect on her family.”

Judge Jarvis also highlighted his disappointment in Turner’s apparent denial of the gravity of his actions, which he described as deeply troubling. As part of his sentence, Turner was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years. He received a four-month sentence for one of the charges and a two-year sentence for the other, with both terms to be served concurrently, resulting in a total of two years behind bars.

Furthermore, Turner is now prohibited from being alone with any child under the age of 16 unless an adult is present. If the child is a family member, he must seek permission from the parent before any contact. The court’s ruling reflects the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect vulnerable children from potential harm in the future.