ALAN SHARPE, 63, JAILED FOR 13 YEARS IN SUFFOLK FOR SEX OFFENCES

In July 2014, Alan Sharpe, a 63-year-old resident of Great Cornard, Suffolk, was sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison after being convicted of multiple sex crimes.

Sharpe was found guilty at Ipswich Crown Court of two serious sexual assaults against a child, three counts of gross indecency with a child, and five indecent assaults on a female child. The trial took place last week before Recorder Maureen Baker QC.

Prior to the conviction, Sharpe had denied all charges, including two other serious sexual assaults, which were subsequently discharged.

His sentencing was postponed until his appearance before Norwich Crown Court yesterday, where Recorder Baker presided over the case.

Following his conviction, Sharpe was also subjected to the notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. He is now required to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for the same duration.

Commenting on the case, Kate Pinato, a spokeswoman for the Crown Prosecution Service, stated, “The Crown Prosecution Service takes these matters very seriously and we are pleased this case has reached a successful conclusion.

We are grateful to the victim for coming forward to the authorities and we hope the positive outcome of this case means this ordeal can be put to rest and the victim can move forward.

The sentence handed down today not only highlights the severe nature of this crime but also sends a strong message that we will rigorously prosecute these cases for the benefit of victims and remain committed to bringing offenders to justice.”