ANDREW JACKSON FROM ABINGDON JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN OXFORD

In a case that has shocked the local community, Andrew Jackson, a resident of Daisy Bank in Abingdon, was sentenced to prison for a series of disturbing sexual assaults committed against a young girl in Oxford. The charges stem from a trial held at Oxford Crown Court last month, where Jackson faced allegations of multiple indecent assaults that spanned several years.

Jackson, aged 63, had initially denied all accusations brought against him. However, after a thorough trial, a jury found him guilty of two counts of indecent assault involving a single victim. The court proceedings revealed that the assaults took place on at least six separate occasions at an address in Oxford, during the 1970s. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, only came forward decades later, motivated by the media coverage of other high-profile historic sex abuse cases. Her decision to speak out was a significant development, shedding light on the long-lasting impact of the abuse.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Maria Lamb addressed the court, emphasizing that Jackson’s refusal to admit guilt earlier had complicated the case. She noted that his decision to force a trial, rather than accept responsibility, had gone against him in terms of mitigation. The judge remarked that if Jackson had acknowledged the abuse sooner, it might have alleviated some of the trauma experienced by the victim and potentially resulted in a different sentencing outcome.

In his defense, lawyer Peter De Feu argued that Jackson had otherwise maintained an 'exemplary' character in the years following the incidents. He highlighted that Jackson had used his time in custody to assist vulnerable prisoners, suggesting a positive aspect of his character despite the serious allegations.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Jackson to 21 months in prison for each of the two counts, with the sentences to run consecutively, resulting in a total of 42 months behind bars. Additionally, Jackson was ordered to remain on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his criminal behavior. The case underscores the importance of justice for victims of historic abuse and the ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable, regardless of the passage of time.