CHELMSFORD MAN ALAN NORMAN JAILED FOR SIX YEARS OVER INDECENT ASSAULTS IN ST OSYTH

In July 2017, Alan Norman, a 78-year-old from Chelmsford, was sentenced to six years in prison for indecent assaults on a young boy. Norman was convicted of four counts of indecent assault committed against the boy between June 2000 and March 2003. The sentencing took place at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, July 27.

At the time of the offences, Norman was employed at an amusement park in St Osyth. It was established that he groomed his young victim by allowing him to play free games on amusement machines and a pool table. The court was told that Norman touched the boy’s genitalia over his clothing approximately 30 to 40 times during the course of less than three years.

During the proceedings, statements were read from prosecutor Raj Joshi and the defendant’s legal counsel. When Judge John Seeley addressed Norman for sentencing, he asked him to remain seated because of his ill health.

Judge Seeley stated: "You groomed your victim, then seven or eight years old, by allowing free games on the machines and the pool table. He was a somewhat lonely and vulnerable boy. You claimed you did not know him or his family. You lied in your interview, you replayed that lie, and there is no remorse."

He added: "It is clear your offences had a devastating effect on your victim. Your position is significant, aggravated by the fact you have previous convictions. You do pose a significant risk of serious harm to the public, especially children."

Norman received a one-year sentence for two counts of indecent assault and a six-year sentence for another count, with all sentences to run concurrently. In total, Norman is set to serve six years in prison.