RAYMOND LORENZ OF DRAYTON FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF FIVE-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN OXFORD

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Drayton and the surrounding areas, Raymond Lorenz, a 68-year-old resident of Lyford Close in Drayton, Abingdon, has been convicted on all counts related to the sexual abuse of a young girl. The conviction follows a four-day trial at Oxford Crown Court, where the jury deliberated for just over two hours before reaching a unanimous verdict.

During the proceedings, the prosecution, led by Michael Roques, detailed the disturbing allegations against Lorenz. It was revealed that the accused had subjected the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, to multiple instances of abuse spanning several years in the 2000s. The girl was between the ages of five and nine at the time of these alleged incidents, highlighting the severity and duration of the abuse.

Lorenz, who had consistently denied the charges, chose not to testify in his own defense. Instead, the court heard a police interview conducted at Abingdon police station on February 14 of the previous year, shortly after the allegations had come to light. During this interview, Lorenz vehemently denied any involvement, claiming that he had been sexually impotent for decades and was incapable of performing sexually. He expressed confusion and disbelief over the accusations, stating, “I don’t know where it has all come from, I can’t fathom this out. Whatever has happened I just don’t know where it has come from.”

The court also learned of Lorenz’s criminal history, which includes convictions for various offenses dating back to the 1970s. These previous convictions painted a picture of a man with a long-standing pattern of criminal behavior, although none were directly related to the current charges.

The case only came to light after a safeguarding officer at the girl’s school reported concerns to the police. It was also revealed that the girl had confided in her friends about the abuse and had already disclosed the details to her mother, which ultimately prompted the investigation.

Lorenz is scheduled to be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on April 20. The case has left the local community in shock and underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from abuse and exploitation.