HEMEL HEMPSTEAD PENSIONER TREVOR PETRIE SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR ABUSING SCHOOLGIRLS
In a case that has shocked the community of Hemel Hempstead, Trevor Petrie, a 69-year-old resident of Hunting Gate in the Grovehill area, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for the prolonged sexual abuse of two underage girls.The court heard that Petrie’s offending spanned several years and involved multiple serious charges.
According to the details presented in St Albans Crown Court, Petrie’s first victim, a girl who was just 13 at the time, was subjected to a series of sexual assaults over a period of four years.
The nature of these offenses was particularly disturbing, including attempted rape and assault by penetration.
The second girl, also aged 13 to 15 during the period of abuse, was victimized for two years, with Petrie engaging in various sexual assaults against her.
The case came to light after the victims reported the incidents to Hemel Hempstead Police Station on October 28 of the previous year.
Prosecutor Peter Shaw explained that the younger girl confided in her boyfriend before revealing her abuse to the authorities.
The older girl then confirmed that she too had been victimized by Petrie.
In response, law enforcement officers swiftly arranged for video interviews with both victims on the same day, which served as crucial evidence during the trial.
Throughout the proceedings, Petrie, who had no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to a total of 12 charges.
Of these, 11 were related to the abuse of the older girl, including one count of assault by penetration, two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of sexual assault.
The remaining charge of sexual assault was linked to the younger girl.
Defence lawyer Denis Barry described Petrie’s conduct as ‘appalling’ and emphasized that his client had made full admissions during police interviews, showing some insight into his actions.
Barry expressed remorse on Petrie’s behalf, stating, “They are not only my words, they are his.
Mr Petrie has made full and frank admissions in interviews and has shown some insight into his offending.
He is very sorry for the damage he has caused to these two young ladies.” Judge Andrew Bright QC delivered the sentence, condemning Petrie for his dangerous behavior.
He stated, “You represent a danger to young girls,” and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.
Additionally, Petrie is required to register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that prohibits any unsupervised contact with children, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community of Hemel Hempstead.
