TERRENCE BECKWITH SENTENCED IN SAWSTON FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT MILL LANE RECREATION GROUND

In July 2011, a man from Sawston was handed an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl at a local park. The incident took place at Mill Lane Recreation Ground in the village, where Terrence Beckwith, aged 28, was found guilty of the offence during a trial held at Cambridge Crown Court.

Beckwith, residing on Evans Way in Sawston, had consistently denied the charges of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. However, after a week-long trial, the jury reached a unanimous verdict of guilt last month. The court proceedings revealed that Beckwith had been in the company of the young girl and her friends at the park before he exploited a brief moment when he was alone with her.

During the assault, Beckwith forcibly tore open the teenager’s shirt and touched her breasts, then proceeded to slap her bottom. The young victim, who has since received counseling to cope with the trauma, watched the sentencing via a video link from her location. The court also heard that Beckwith had a history of allegations related to sexual misconduct involving women and young girls, although he had not been convicted of any previous offences.

Judge Gareth Hawkesworth addressed Beckwith directly during sentencing, stating, “You seized an opportunity at the recreation ground in Sawston to sexually touch this young girl. It was aggravated by the fact that she was a particularly vulnerable person to such attentions, and it has caused her great distress in a young life that needed comfort and security.” The judge emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, noting that Beckwith had a pattern of similar behaviour towards other young girls. The court highlighted that his actions were often linked to alcohol consumption, which appeared to impair his judgment and lead to violent, destructive, or inappropriate sexual conduct.

Furthermore, Judge Hawkesworth referenced a pre-sentence report, which indicated that Beckwith had described the jury’s decision as “rubbish” and had only superficially cooperated during interviews following his conviction. The judge remarked, “While you remain in denial about any wrongdoing, your risk to others remains high.”

Representing Beckwith, Mark Shelley acknowledged that his client understood that his actions towards girls under 16 were wrong. Ultimately, the court sentenced Beckwith to 18 months in prison, with the understanding that he would serve half of that term behind bars. Additionally, Beckwith will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits any contact with individuals under 16 unless supervised.