ANTHONY NORTHOVER SENTENCED IN YEOVIL FOR CHILD RAPE AND INDECENT ASSAULTS

In a case that has shocked the community of Yeovil, Somerset, Anthony Northover, aged 30, has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison after admitting to a series of heinous crimes involving young girls. The offences, which spanned over his teenage years, include the rape of a six-year-old girl and the indecent assault of a second girl, both of whom were minors at the time.

Details of the case emerged during a hearing at Taunton Crown Court, where it was revealed that police investigations were initiated after Northover himself disclosed his crimes while undergoing mental health treatment. His admission prompted a thorough inquiry, leading to his guilty plea on four counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault. Despite his guilty pleas, Northover was acquitted of eight other similar charges, which he denied.

Prosecutor Martin Steen explained that neither of the young victims had formally reported the incidents, and their memories of the events were vague or incomplete. The crimes reportedly took place either within the comfort of their own homes or in a nearby playing field area. During the court proceedings, it was also disclosed that Northover had threatened one of the girls, warning her not to tell anyone or face consequences, a tactic often used to silence victims and maintain secrecy.

Defence lawyer Patrick Mason highlighted Northover’s troubled background, describing him as a man plagued by emotional instability and a history of personal difficulties. Mason pointed out that Northover’s mother had made insensitive remarks about him throughout his childhood, which may have contributed to his troubled state of mind. The defendant had left his mother’s home at age 14 and was on the move by 15, working with travelers and earning a living, possibly as a way to escape the trauma he had endured and the issues he had created for himself.

Further context was provided about Northover’s life, including instances where he was exploited by others. He received compensation following an accident, which he mentioned to a taxi driver, leading to him being persuaded to travel to the Philippines. There, he fathered a child but eventually ran out of money and was reportedly duped by various individuals along the way. Throughout the court proceedings, Northover expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “If I could make it better, I would,” and conveyed his hope of reuniting with his wife and child someday.

Judge Peter Blair QC acknowledged the profound impact of Northover’s guilt and the sadness surrounding his life story. He noted that a psychological report on Northover was “full of sadness” and that a lengthy prison sentence was inevitable. Although the sentence could have been as long as ten years, it was reduced due to his early guilty plea and other mitigating factors, including the time already spent in custody—158 days on remand. The court also ordered Northover to be banned from working with children and mandated that he sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

In his sentencing remarks, the judge expressed regret over the tragic circumstances of Northover’s life, describing it as “blighted.” He urged Northover to engage with the rehabilitation services available in prison and to participate in a sex offenders’ treatment programme, hoping this would help him “get his mind in order” and address the underlying issues that led to his criminal behaviour.