ANDREW BERRY SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON THREE-YEAR-OLD IN EXETER
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Exeter, a man named Andrew Berry has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a young girl aged just three years old.The incident, which took place in Exeter, led to a swift and decisive legal response, highlighting the severity with which such crimes are treated by the justice system.
Berry, aged 45 and residing on Rifford Road in Exeter, faced serious charges including two counts of assaulting a child under the age of 13 by penetration.
Despite his denial of the allegations, the jury at Exeter Crown Court took only 40 minutes to reach a verdict of guilty, reflecting the strength of the evidence presented against him.
The court proceedings revealed the disturbing nature of the offences, which the judge described as ‘grotesque’ and noted Berry’s apparent lack of remorse or emotion for the trauma inflicted upon the innocent victim.
Following the sentencing, police officers publicly commended the bravery of the young girl who had come forward to share her ordeal.
Her courage in speaking out was recognized as vital in bringing Berry to justice.
During the trial, it was also disclosed that Berry attempted to silence the child by telling her that the police were ‘bad guys’ and could not be trusted, an effort to prevent her from revealing the abuse.
A victim personal statement, read aloud in court by the girl’s mother, detailed the profound psychological impact Berry’s actions had on her daughter.
The statement described how Berry had ‘stolen her childhood innocence’ and left her with lasting psychological scars that would affect her for the rest of her life.
The court was also informed that Berry had a prior conviction dating back to 2004 for possessing indecent images of children.
Additionally, he had previously breached his notification requirements, further demonstrating a pattern of concerning behavior.
During sentencing, Recorder Martin Meeke QC emphasized the significant distress caused to the child and highlighted her initial reluctance to disclose what had happened.
The judge criticized Berry for instructing the girl to keep her ordeal a secret and for attempting to portray the police as ‘bad guys’ to her.
“You were well aware you had hurt her and damaged her,” the judge stated.
“Despite the evidence, you contested this prosecution.
As I watched you as you listened to her interviews with police, I saw no concern.
Your lies to the jury were brazen.” In light of the gravity of the offences, the judge set the starting point for the sentence at eleven years in prison.
He added an extra 12 months to be served on licence upon Berry’s release.
Furthermore, Berry was ordered to be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting his future contact with children, and was mandated to sign the Sex Offender Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.
