ALAN SAFFERY OF HEREFORD SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE OFFENCES

A former police officer from Hereford has been handed a significant prison sentence of 12 years after being convicted on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse that occurred during the 1970s and 1980s. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of misconduct by Alan Saffery, aged 61, who was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 13.

Throughout the trial, it was emphasized that Saffery exploited his position of authority and trust within the community to carry out these heinous acts. Several of the offences came to light through the victims themselves, who bravely came forward to report their experiences, shedding light on the abuse they endured at the hands of someone they once trusted.

While Saffery was acquitted of two counts of rape, the remaining convictions paint a stark picture of a serious predator who betrayed the very duty to protect children that his role as a police officer was supposed to uphold. The court's decision underscores the gravity of his actions and the breach of trust that has left a lasting impact on the victims and the community of Hereford.