ROY CATO FROM PENTNEY SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN IN NORWICH

In a case that has shocked the local community of Pentney and the wider Norwich area, Roy Cato, a 68-year-old man confined to a wheelchair, was convicted of a series of serious sexual offences committed over a decade involving two teenage girls and a young boy. The proceedings took place at Norwich Crown Court, where the gravity of Cato’s crimes was laid bare during the sentencing hearing.

Judge Stephen Holt presided over the case and addressed Cato directly, noting that the defendant appeared in court in his wheelchair. The judge expressed that threats may have been used to manipulate and control the victims, making them more susceptible to Cato’s sexual misconduct. The court heard that Cato had pleaded not guilty to 13 charges, which included indecent assault, rape, sexual activity with a child, and incitement to commit indecent acts, all spanning a period of ten years. Despite his denial, the jury found him guilty on all counts.

Impact reports presented during the trial revealed the profound and lasting damage inflicted upon two of the victims. Judge Holt remarked that one victim’s life had been affected to a “horrible degree,” emphasizing the severity of the harm caused. As part of his sentence, Cato was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life. The judge also announced that Cato would be eligible for release on licence after serving nine years of his sentence.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Holt acknowledged Cato’s continued denial of the offences, stating, “You still deny any of these offences and that is your right.” The defense, represented by Mr. William Carter, highlighted Cato’s poor health, noting that he suffers from diabetes and has a shattered knee resulting from a road accident. Mr. Carter argued that a lengthy period of incarceration would be particularly difficult for Cato given his health issues.

Throughout the trial, Cato maintained his innocence, denying two charges of indecent assault against a male victim, one of indecently assaulting and raping a girl, two counts of indecent assault, one of sexual activity with a child, one of rape, and one of sexual assault against another girl. He also denied four counts of incitement to commit an indecent act.

Earlier, in February 2013, Cato was found guilty of the same 13 charges after a trial that revealed disturbing details of his actions. The court was told that Cato had manipulated and coerced a young boy and girl into sexual acts, including making them grope each other and engage in sexual activity. The offences reportedly began approximately 12 years prior to the trial.

During the proceedings, the defense argued that Cato’s physical condition, particularly his shattered knee, rendered him incapable of some of the acts alleged and suggested that certain acts may not have occurred at all. They also claimed that the sexual activities between the children were consensual. However, the court found sufficient evidence to convict Cato on all counts, which included assaults on a third girl as well.

The male victim came forward to police in January of the previous year, leading to the charges. The case has brought to light the disturbing extent of Cato’s abuse, and the community now awaits the final sentencing, which will determine the length of his imprisonment and the impact on his future.