TERENCE SUTTON JAILED FOR 16 YEARS OVER DECADE OF CHILD SEX ABUSE IN HAMWORTHY AND POOLE

In a case that has shocked the local community, Terence Sutton, a 68-year-old man from Turlin Road, Hamworthy, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for a series of historic child sex abuse offences. The crimes, which spanned over ten years, involved the victim being subjected to repeated sexual assaults starting from the age of nine.

According to the Crown Prosecutor Julia Woodward from Wessex CPS, Sutton’s actions were particularly heinous as he exploited the innocence and vulnerability of his young victim. The victim, who showed remarkable bravery, came forward to report the abuse, which played a crucial role in bringing Sutton to justice. Woodward emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “Sutton subjected his victim to more than a decade of sexual abuse. He took advantage of her innocence and vulnerability. She had the bravery to come forward and report her ordeal to the police.”

Woodward further explained that Sutton’s abuse began when the victim was very young, with the first serious incident occurring when she was only nine years old. The victim endured the trauma throughout her childhood, teenage years, and into adulthood, carrying the heavy burden of knowing that what happened to her was both wrong and criminal. Her courage in speaking out was instrumental in ensuring that Sutton faced justice.

Thanks to the support of the victim and other witnesses who provided detailed accounts, authorities were able to build a strong case against Sutton. The defendant pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges, including rape, indecent assault, and offences of gross indecency involving a child under 14. The prosecution confirmed that the remaining charges on the indictment would be left on file, indicating a plea deal that focused on the most serious allegations.

Julia Woodward expressed her gratitude to the victim and witnesses for their bravery in recounting such traumatic events. She also conveyed hope that the conviction would help the victim find some measure of closure, allowing her to move forward with her life free from the burden of these terrible experiences. Sutton’s sentencing marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to combat child abuse and protect vulnerable individuals within the community of Hamworthy and Poole.