Paedophile jailed for assaults committed 20 years ago

A child abuser has been convicted of crime that were committed in Maidenhead more than 20 years ago. The man now 41, was sentenced to two concurrent terms of 12 months and 18 months. He must sign onto the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

What is striking about this case is there appears to have been only one witness against the abuser. Recent cases in the courts have shown that the Crown Prosecution Service are quite prepared to prosecute on the word of only one witness.

The man’s victim might well have a claim against his abuser, subject to the issue of limitation. Normally a claim against an abuser might be brought before a person’s 21st birthday, however the case of A v Hoare [2008] 1 AC 844 makes it clear that the court will consider extending the limitation period in certain circumstances. Much depends on how wealthy the abuser is, but very often paedophiles are people of substantial means.

In addition, the victim might well have a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, a government organisation that compensates victims of crime.

See Maidenhead Advertiser 30 jul 09 Paedophile jailed for assault committed 20 years ago