TONY PARRY FROM OVERSTONE LAKES SENTENCED FOR REPEATED REVOLTING SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG CHILD

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Tony Parry, a 72-year-old resident of High Woods, Overstone Lakes, was found guilty of committing a series of heinous sexual assaults against a young girl. The offences, described in court as 'particularly revolting,' involved multiple acts of sexual violence that left a lasting impact on the victim.

According to court proceedings, Parry repeatedly subjected his young victim to vile sexual acts, ensuring her silence by convincing her that their secret was safe. The young girl, whose age was not specified but was clearly very vulnerable, later confided in a relative after being caught acting provocatively with another child. This revelation prompted her mother to confront Parry about his inappropriate behaviour.

Rebecca Wade, the prosecutor, recounted that when the child's mother confronted Parry, he responded with a shocking statement: “She started it. Oh God, what have I done? How do I put this right?” This response was part of the evidence that led to his eventual conviction.

During a video interview, the young girl found it difficult to discuss what had happened to her, indicating the trauma she endured. When pressed further, she expressed a desire not to think about the incidents anymore, highlighting the emotional toll inflicted by Parry’s actions.

Initially, Parry pleaded not guilty to the charges when he appeared in court earlier this year. The case was scheduled for trial, but he returned last month to admit to five counts of sexual assault. His guilty plea marked a significant development in the case, which had already garnered considerable attention due to the nature of the offences.

Judge Charles Wide QC addressed the court, criticizing Parry’s behaviour and attitude. He stated, “One assumes he was not prepared to admit his guilt and spare this young girl the anxiety of having to come to trial. He strung it out, and strung it out, denying his guilt when there was this young girl waiting to give evidence when he knew perfectly well she was telling the truth and he wasn’t.”

The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes, noting that they involved repeated offences against a very young girl, which he described as an aggravating factor. He also condemned the acts as 'particularly revolting.'

As a result, Parry was sentenced to four years in prison. Additionally, he was banned from ever working with children and was placed on the sex offenders’ register. Judge Wide underscored the breach of trust involved, stating, “What you did was a gross breach of trust. These offences have had a serious impact, as they were bound to, upon an already vulnerable girl.” The sentence reflects the gravity of his actions and the lasting harm caused to the victim.