ALAN THORNBY WOKING CHILD ABUSER SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR 30 RAPE OFFENSES

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Woking, Alan Thornby, aged 35, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of committing a total of 30 heinous sexual offenses, primarily involving young children. The sentencing took place on Monday, April 8, at Guildford Crown Court, where the severity of Thornby’s crimes was laid bare.

Thornby, who resides on Gloster Road in Old Woking, was found guilty of 18 counts of rape against a single child, with these offenses spanning from 2005 to 2010. The court heard how he subjected this victim to repeated sexual assaults over a period of five years, causing profound trauma and suffering. The case further revealed that Thornby also raped a second child on eight separate occasions between 2004 and 2010. In addition, he was convicted of three more counts of rape involving a different young victim, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior.

The initial trial at Guildford Crown Court commenced in October 2012, focusing solely on the 18 counts of rape against the first victim. However, during proceedings, new evidence emerged that prompted the court to halt the trial and to charge Thornby with an additional 12 counts of rape. This development significantly expanded the scope of the case, leading to a second trial that began in February of this year. The two sets of charges were subsequently combined, and Thornby faced a total of 30 counts of rape.

After a nine-day trial, the jury found Thornby guilty on all counts, confirming the extent of his depraved actions. The judge sentenced him to 18 years in prison, reflecting the gravity of his offenses and the breach of trust involved. Detective Constable Kate Waters of the Surrey Police Public Protection Unit commented on the case, emphasizing the impact on the victims and the importance of justice. She stated, “This sentence today reflects the severity of the offending which was committed by Thornby when he was in a position of trust. The two victims were relentlessly abused and have suffered as a result of their traumatic experiences.”

She praised the victims for their bravery, noting, “They are both to be praised for their courage and fortitude in taking the stand in giving evidence against this depraved individual who ruined their childhood. In the case of the first victim, it was even more emotionally draining as he had to give evidence in not one, but two trials. I hope today’s outcome will go some way to helping the victims to gain some peace and move on with their lives and to try to put the offending aside.”

Detective Waters also expressed her relief that the jury was able to see through Thornby’s attempts to deceive during the trial, despite the difficult and disturbing details that emerged. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of such crimes and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial processes in bringing offenders like Thornby to justice.