PHILIP DUKE FROM FENLAND JAILED FOR CHILD ASSAULT AT HEATHROW AFTER NINE-YEAR ESCAPE

In a significant development in the fight against child abuse, Philip Duke, a 47-year-old man from Fenland, has finally been brought to justice after evading law enforcement for nearly a decade. The case dates back to July 2002, when Duke committed a disturbing act of indecent assault against a 10-year-old boy in the area of Friday Bridge.

According to court proceedings at Cambridge Crown Court, Duke lured the young victim into a nearby field, where he committed the assault. Following the incident, he attempted to cover his tracks by giving the boy a pound and offering him a cigarette, actions that further demonstrated his manipulative intent. The assault was witnessed by two older boys who saw what was happening and tried to intervene, encouraging the victim to move away from Duke. Despite the initial response, Duke denied any wrongdoing during police investigations.

Law enforcement responded swiftly at the time, and Duke was arrested shortly after the assault. However, he failed to answer bail and subsequently disappeared from the country, evading justice for nine long years. His whereabouts remained unknown until earlier this year when he returned to England. His return was marked by his arrest at Heathrow Airport, where he was caught stepping off a flight arriving from Doha, Qatar.

Detective Inspector Ian Baillie of Cambridgeshire police expressed his satisfaction at the outcome, emphasizing the importance of accountability. He stated, “This result sends a strong message to offenders that they cannot run away from their crimes forever. In a twist of fate, I was the officer who dealt with this offence at the time and have held the wanted file for the last 10 years. Now, as head of the child abuse investigation unit, it is very satisfying to finally bring this man to justice.”

During the court hearing, the prosecution, led by Tim Bowden, highlighted that the assault was witnessed by two older boys who tried to help the victim. Duke initially denied any involvement, but evidence and testimonies proved otherwise. The defense, represented by Caroline Allison, explained that Duke, having spent years abroad, had reached a point of remorse. She described how he had fallen into hardship, resorting to sleeping rough and working menial jobs, often under the influence of heavy alcohol consumption, including spirits and frequenting local pubs.

Ms. Allison noted that Duke had already served 148 days in custody, which she described as a profound experience that deeply affected him. She added that he had come to accept responsibility for his actions, feeling overwhelmed by guilt and shame. The court was informed that Duke, who currently has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to one charge of indecent assault on a male.

Judge Jonathan Haworth sentenced Duke to 12 months in prison, with the understanding that he would serve only half of that term. Additionally, Duke will be registered as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct. In delivering his sentence, the judge emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, “This was blatantly sexual behaviour towards a young boy. It’s a serious crime that must be met with a prison sentence.”

Today’s verdict underscores the relentless pursuit of justice and the message that no one can escape accountability for their crimes, regardless of how long it takes or how far they run.