ALFRED MILTON FROM BRICKET WOOD, BUSHEY, AND WATFORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Bricket Wood, Bushey, and Watford, a man identified as Alfred Milton has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for serious sexual offenses committed against two young boys. The crimes, which took place during the early 1980s, involved victims aged between 12 and 15, and the conviction highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address historical abuse cases.

Alfred Milton, aged 69 at the time of sentencing, was not a stranger to the foster care system, having served as an approved foster father for teenage boys. However, the charges brought against him did not involve children placed in his care by social services. Instead, the offenses were against two boys who had no formal connection to his foster arrangements. The court proceedings revealed that Milton's criminal activities spanned several years, during which he exploited his position of trust to commit acts of sexual abuse.

During the trial at St Albans Crown Court, evidence was presented that Milton had advertised in local newsagents' windows, seeking young boys to perform odd jobs at his residence. Unbeknownst to the community, these seemingly innocent advertisements concealed his true intentions. The court heard that Milton used gifts, holidays, alcohol, cigarettes, and generous wages to groom and manipulate his victims, subjecting them to years of silent suffering. The judge, Joseph Gosschalk, condemned Milton's actions, stating, "There is evidence that you then groomed and corrupted them with presents, holidays, drink, cigarettes, and more than generous wages. You condemned them to years of silent suffering, making them feel guilty and telling them they were at risk of being placed in a home or borstal if matters were revealed."

Milton was also cleared of an additional charge involving a teenager he fostered under the now-defunct Teen Care scheme. Despite this, the jury convicted him of two counts of buggery and three counts of indecent assault against one boy, and a single count of buggery against the other. Milton maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.

At the time of the allegations, Milton was residing in Leggatts Way, Watford, and Park Avenue, Bushey. More recently, he had been living in Moss Side, Bricket Wood. Following his conviction, his defense attorney, Mr. Piers Reed, expressed sympathy, stating, "He has been left with nothing. He has lost his house and his friends and even his pet. He has been reduced to virtually nothing."

Detective Inspector Keith Tilley, of the Child Protection Unit, praised the investigative team led by Detective Constable Chris Hartnick. He emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance, saying, "A very dangerous sex offender has been jailed. The message should go out to victims that courts are prepared to lock up offenders for a long time. Just because there has been a conviction, we would still investigate any further complaints against Milton, and we urge anyone with concerns to come forward."

Milton's case underscores the persistent challenge of uncovering and prosecuting historical abuse, and the community is urged to remain vigilant and supportive of victims coming forward.