Pensioners receive substantial jail sentence

17/08/2006

Two pensioners are today facing a substantial spell in jail after being sentenced for repeatedly sexually abusing a young girl over a period of four years.

In June Dennis White was found guilty of four counts of rape following a trial at Derby Crown Court.  His co-accused, Sydney Dables, had already admitted four charges of rape and four charges of aiding and abetting rape.

Today, at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, both men were sentenced to ten years imprisonment and put on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Speaking after the hearing Acting Head of the Trials Unit at Derbyshire CPS Vee Monro said: "Although the abuse began almost thirty years ago it wasn't until recently that the victim felt able to tell anyone about what had happened.  Despite the passage of time this has clearly been a very difficult and traumatic experience, but it is through her bravery, and willingness to come forward and give evidence in extremely difficult circumstances, that these offences have now been brought to justice.

"We hope today's outcome encourages anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to come forward and report it, knowing that regardless of whether it took place the day before or many years before we will take their complaint seriously."