RICHARD THORNE OF LYDNEY SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL OFFENSES IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Lydney and the surrounding areas, Richard Thorne, aged 33, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison following his conviction for a series of serious sexual offenses committed against a young boy during the late 1990s.

Thorne, who resides at Greenways in Lydney, was accused of abusing a boy who was just nine years old at the time. The offenses took place in the Forest of Dean area, with the incidents spanning from September 1, 1997, to July 31, 1999. The court heard that Thorne, then 17 years old, engaged in a disturbing pattern of sexual misconduct that occurred approximately once every two weeks during this period.

At Gloucester Crown Court, Thorne faced a jury that found him guilty of six counts of indecency with a child and one count of rape. The court proceedings revealed a troubling escalation in Thorne’s behavior. Initially, he was observed watching pornography in the presence of the young boy, but this behavior soon progressed to Thorne performing sexual acts in front of the child. As the timeline advanced, Thorne began involving the boy directly in sexual activities, culminating in the rape.

Judge William Hart addressed the court and the gathered family members during the sentencing. He acknowledged the victim’s distress, stating, “We have heard that the victim told you he didn’t like it when the offence was committed and the incidents stopped from then, and never happened again.” The judge expressed regret that the young victim, being only nine years old, was unable to fully comprehend or report the abuse at the time. “Sadly, if he had been a bit older and mature he might have said something before all of the offences happened and none of this would have taken place, but unfortunately he was just nine-years-old,” Judge Hart remarked.

He also highlighted Thorne’s previously clean record, noting that he had no prior trouble with the law and had since become a responsible, hard-working individual. “He is clearly very different now to the man he was then,” the judge added. However, Judge Hart emphasized that what may have started as sexual experimentation had quickly developed into serious abuse. “If it was experimentation in the beginning, it soon developed into abuse,” he stated.

Thorne maintained his innocence throughout the trial, denying any wrongdoing and asserting that he had not interfered with the boy in any way. Despite his protests, the jury found him guilty on all charges.

In the courtroom, it was evident that Thorne’s family members, including his partner—who is currently in poor health—were present to witness the sentencing. The court was filled with relatives and supporters, reflecting the community’s concern and the gravity of the case.

Judge William Hart concluded the proceedings by sentencing Thorne to six and a half years in prison. He explained that, considering Thorne’s personal circumstances and family situation, this was the minimum appropriate sentence. “This is the least that could be given,” the judge stated, underscoring the seriousness of the offenses and the impact on the victim and community.