BARRY ALMOND PLYMOUTH SEX OFFENDER CONVICTED OF ASSAULTING GIRL IN MANADON
In a case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, a 77-year-old man named Barry Almond has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a young girl at his residence in the Manadon area.The incident, which took place on June 20, 2009, led to Almond's conviction after a detailed three-day trial at Plymouth Crown Court.
According to court proceedings, the young girl, whose identity remains protected, ran into the street in tears immediately after the assault, seeking help from a stranger.
Witnesses and the court heard that she was visibly distressed, prompting concern and immediate assistance from a nearby woman who took her to her home and allowed her to use a phone to contact her family.
Almond, who resides on St Peter’s Road in Manadon, vehemently denied the allegations, claiming he never touched the girl and was unaware of why she fled his house.
Despite his assertions, the jury was convinced of his guilt after deliberating for just over five hours, reaching a verdict of 11 to one in favor of conviction.
The court was told that Almond had taken photographs of the girl in his bedroom, which was interpreted as an attempt to leer at her.
Prosecutors argued that this behavior was a prelude to him groping her, which he did beneath her clothing, and then attempting to kiss her.
The girl recounted that she was persuaded to lie on Almond’s bed before she managed to regain her composure and leave the house.
She further explained that she was so overwhelmed that she ran from the property, ending up outside the Morrisons supermarket on Outland Road in Manadon.
She was crying and visibly upset when a stranger approached her, asking what was wrong.
The woman then took her to her nearby home, where she was able to call her family.
The girl admitted she had not brought her own mobile phone in her rush to escape and only confided in her family later, not reporting the incident to police until early the following year.
During the trial, Almond’s defense, represented by Michael Green, argued that the incident appeared to be a one-off and emphasized that no other girls had come forward with similar allegations.
Green also highlighted Almond’s poor health, which includes diabetes, arthritis, and a history of heart problems, including a recent heart attack since the incident.
Judge Stephen Parish acknowledged Almond’s health issues and previous good character but emphasized the severity of the crime.
He stated that Almond deserved a prison sentence but chose to suspend it, considering Almond’s age and health.
The judge also ordered Almond to remain on the sex offender register for life and pay £500 towards the costs of the trial.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Parish noted that Almond had taken advantage of the situation by photographing the girl and then groping her, actions that he described as deeply disturbing.
He told Almond that the young girl now has the reassurance of knowing she was believed and that her ordeal has been publicly acknowledged through the conviction.
Almond showed little reaction when the verdict was announced.
The court proceedings concluded with the judge thanking the families of both Almond and the girl for their restraint during the trial, which has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the local community of Plymouth.
