ANTHONY WARD FROM TORQUAY SENTENCED TO MINIMUM OF 14 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Torquay, Anthony Ward, aged 48, was sentenced to a lengthy period behind bars for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against two young girls. The sentencing took place at Exeter Crown Court, where the gravity of Ward's crimes was laid bare, revealing a disturbing pattern of grooming, manipulation, and abuse.

Judge Graham Cottle, presiding over the case, imposed an indeterminate sentence on Ward, emphasizing the dangerous nature of his actions and the risk he poses to society. The judge described Ward as a quintessential sex offender, one who meticulously groomed his victims before subjecting them to increasingly degrading acts. Ward, who was formerly residing on Bampfylde Road in Exeter, was given a minimum term of 14 years before he could be considered for parole. Judge Cottle made it clear that if Ward were to be released earlier, there would be a significant risk of reoffending.

Ward had previously pleaded guilty to a total of 19 sex offences during a court appearance on November 23 of the previous year. These offences included rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, sexual assault of a girl under 13, assault involving penetration of a girl under 13, and inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The crimes were committed against two separate victims, with the first set of offences occurring in the 1990s, and the second involving a girl under the age of 11.

Prosecution barrister Andrew Oldland detailed the disturbing timeline, stating that seven offences against Ward’s first victim took place during the 1990s. The victim described a pattern of abuse that worsened over time, highlighting the escalating nature of Ward’s predatory behavior. The remaining offences involved the second victim, who was under 11 at the time of the assaults. The court heard that Ward’s initial acts involved sexual touching, which later progressed to more serious sexual crimes, often accompanied by a significant level of violence.

One particularly disturbing aspect of the case was Ward’s manipulation of his second victim. She reported that Ward would call her “the chosen one” or “the special one,” and on one occasion, he took photographs of her. Ward also told her that he was receiving messages from individuals willing to pay money to abuse her, further demonstrating his manipulative tactics and the exploitation of the young girl’s vulnerability.

The impact of Ward’s actions has had lasting effects on his victims, who now face difficulties in forming relationships with members of the opposite sex. The court was told that the trauma inflicted by Ward’s abuse continues to affect their lives.

During the sentencing hearing, defence barrister Robert Lindford acknowledged that there was little mitigation to offer, but he did commend Ward for his early guilty pleas. However, Judge Cottle was unequivocal in his condemnation, describing Ward’s behavior as “classic paedophile behavior,” involving targeting, grooming, and progressing from initial touching to the full spectrum of sexual offences against children.

In his remarks, Judge Cottle emphasized the seriousness of the harm caused to the victims, stating, “The consequences for the victims have been, and continue to be, extremely serious. There is a very real likelihood that, given further opportunity, you would behave in the same way again – causing further serious harm to a child.” The judge concluded that the only appropriate response was to impose an indeterminate sentence to protect society and prevent future harm.

As part of the court’s orders, Ward was also subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and was ordered to register as a sex offender. The sentence and orders reflect the court’s recognition of the severity of Ward’s crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to children and the community of Torquay.