ANTHONY DANNAN FROM PLYMOUTH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL
In June 2017, a disturbing case involving Anthony Dannan, a 29-year-old man from Plymouth, drew significant attention from the local community and legal authorities.Dannan was convicted of repeatedly sexually abusing a young girl during her primary school years, a crime that spanned from 2002 to 2004.
Despite the gravity of his actions, he was ultimately spared immediate imprisonment through a suspended sentence, a decision that sparked controversy and concern among advocates for victims of sexual abuse.
According to court records, Dannan engaged in a series of indecent assaults against the young girl, often in her own home at night.
The victim, who chose to give her testimony from behind a screen, recounted that the abuse occurred on numerous occasions, describing a pattern of nightly assaults that lasted for several weeks.
She told the court that Dannan instructed her to keep their secret, emphasizing the need for silence about what was happening.
The girl’s account was compelling and detailed, providing a stark contrast to Dannan’s denial of any wrongdoing.
It was only two years prior to the trial that the victim came forward publicly, motivated by a newspaper report revealing that Dannan had been convicted of flashing at two schoolgirls at a bus stop.
This revelation prompted her to speak out about her own experiences, leading to the charges being brought against him.
During the trial at Plymouth Crown Court, Dannan vehemently denied the allegations, claiming he had never touched the girl and suggesting that her accusations, along with those of other witnesses, were fabrications.
His defense argued that there was no physical evidence to support the claims and that the allegations were false.
Despite his protests, the jury deliberated for approximately three hours before reaching a majority verdict convicting Dannan on two counts of indecent assault.
One of these counts involved at least five separate incidents.
During the proceedings, Dannan displayed hostility, angrily disputing the verdict and insulting members of the victim’s family in the courtroom’s public gallery before storming out.
His conduct underscored the tension and emotional strain surrounding the case.
Judge Ian Lawrie, presiding over the case, acknowledged Dannan’s troubling criminal history, noting that he had a “terrible track record for offending.” However, he clarified that, aside from the recent incident, Dannan’s previous convictions did not include sexual offenses.
The judge expressed disappointment that Dannan appeared to have little remorse, stating that it was evident from his behavior and evidence that the victim’s testimony was compelling, whereas Dannan’s was “appalling.” In sentencing, Judge Lawrie emphasized the seriousness of the crimes but also considered the circumstances.
He handed Dannan a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, meaning that if Dannan committed any further offenses—sexual or otherwise—within that period, he would serve the original sentence in full.
The judge also ordered Dannan to pay £500 in court costs, complete 200 hours of unpaid community work, and undertake 30 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.
Additionally, he was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years, restricting his contact with minors and monitoring his behavior.
As Dannan left the courtroom, Judge Lawrie advised him to reflect on his actions and suggested that he consider offering an apology if he felt able to do so.
When Dannan’s solicitor inquired about contact, the judge responded that any communication should be managed through his legal representative, underscoring the ongoing restrictions and oversight imposed by the court.
