ARTHUR MARRIOTT DAVENTRY CHILD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS FOR PAST RAPE AND RECENT INDECENT ASSAULT

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Daventry, Arthur Marriott, a 63-year-old man, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences. The convictions stem from a series of heinous crimes committed over two and a half decades ago, as well as a recent incident involving a young girl in the local area.

Last week, Northampton Crown Court heard the details of Marriott’s crimes, which included five counts of rape against a teenage girl in the 1970s. The jury returned guilty verdicts on these charges, but they were unable to reach a consensus on six other allegations, including one additional rape charge and four counts of indecent assault involving another girl from the same era. The judge, Julian Hall, discharged the jury from deliberating on these unresolved charges, and the prosecution indicated that no further action would be pursued regarding them.

During the trial, Marriott, who previously served as a local football referee, maintained his innocence, dismissing the allegations as “a load of nonsense.” However, the court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of his recent misconduct. In October of the previous year, Marriott was involved in an incident at Daventry Country Park, where he engaged in indecent assault on a 14-year-old girl. The prosecution, led by Miss Pearl Willis, outlined how Marriott, while walking his dogs, struck up a conversation with the young girl. He asked her if she would like him to buy her some drinks, which she declined, but he then returned with three bottles of French lager and some alcopops from his home.

Subsequently, sexual contact occurred between Marriott and the girl, and he arranged to meet her again. However, the girl reported the incident to the authorities, and police were waiting for Marriott when he arrived at the park. The court heard that Marriott admitted to the indecent assault, which added to the gravity of his crimes.

In mitigation, Sir Andrew Watson urged the court to consider Marriott’s advanced age and the fact that the majority of the offences occurred many years ago. He pointed out that Marriott faces a significant portion of his remaining life in prison and is likely to be stigmatized by the community. The judge described Marriott’s offences as “particularly despicable,” emphasizing the severity of his actions.

It was also revealed that, seven years prior, Marriott was acquitted of an indecent assault charge involving a 15-year-old boy at a block of garages in the Headlands area of Daventry. The defence argued that the boy was a teenage prostitute who had offered sexual services for £5, but the prosecution contended that Marriott had forcibly assaulted the boy as he was walking home, forcing him to perform indecent acts.

Today, Marriott’s conviction and sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of such crimes and the importance of justice for victims, both past and present.