ALBERT/PETER DAY FROM COMBE MARTIN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN EXETER

In a case that has spanned decades and involved multiple victims, Albert Day, also known as Peter Day, a former soldier from North Devon, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for heinous sexual offenses committed against children and a young woman. The disturbing details of his crimes reveal a pattern of depravity rooted in a disturbing obsession with sexual offending against minors.

Day, who resided in Moory Meadow, Combe Martin, was found guilty of a series of serious charges following a trial at Exeter Crown Court. His convictions include one count of rape, one charge of indecency with a child, and eight counts of indecent assault. Additionally, he admitted to possessing thousands of images depicting child sexual abuse, as well as extreme pornography involving animals and sexual cartoons. The offences against his victims date back to the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, illustrating a disturbing pattern that persisted over many years.

Throughout the proceedings, victim impact statements were read aloud, revealing the profound and lasting psychological scars inflicted by Day’s actions. One woman expressed her ongoing pain and frustration, stating that she still feels let down by the police investigation that failed to bring Day to justice sooner. She described the emotional toll of reliving her trauma, noting that “reopening of the case has been harder than the first time,” and emphasized that “there will always be triggers in my life that bring the terrible time back.” Her words conveyed a sense of enduring suffering, as she added, “It took 32 years but the hurt and pain will never go away. The situation is now turned around and I hope and pray you get the sentence you deserve.”

Another victim shared her experience of trying to forget a painful chapter of her life, but expressed relief that justice has finally been served. She stated, “Finally after all these years justice has been done. Finally you will get what you deserve.” These heartfelt testimonies underscored the long-lasting impact of Day’s crimes and the importance of justice for survivors.

Day’s arrest was prompted by a disturbing online incident in which he boasted in a chat room about having had sex with a six-year-old child. Although he later claimed that this was merely a fantasy, he admitted to possessing “nasty stuff” on his computer. Police investigations uncovered more than 600 movies and images depicting the most severe forms of child sexual abuse, alongside hundreds of other indecent images, animal pornography, and sexual cartoons. Day confessed that he found child abuse images “horrible and exciting” and acknowledged that he needed help.

His background includes leaving the army in 1979, after which he worked as a floor-layer for many years. In recent times, he has been employed as a caretaker and site maintenance worker. The judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison, emphasizing that the victims had carried the psychological and sexual harm with them for decades. The court highlighted that Day’s obsession with child abuse had persisted into the present day, making his crimes particularly egregious. The sentencing marked a significant moment of justice for the victims, who expressed relief and a sense of closure after enduring decades of suffering.