YEOVIL PENSIONER BARRY DUNTHORN SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR HISTORIC CHILD SEX ABUSE
A pensioner from Yeovil, Barry Dunthorn, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a series of sexual offenses against young boys spanning nearly four decades.The 74-year-old, residing on Hendford Grove, was convicted of nine counts of sexual assault involving four male victims aged between 12 and 16 at the time of the incidents.
Following a two-week trial at Taunton Crown Court, Dunthorn was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault on a male under 14, as well as three counts of indecent assault on a male under 16.
Additionally, he was convicted of two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16 and one charge of paying for the services of a child under 18.
The offences occurred across South and East Somerset from 1981 to 2018, during which Dunthorn groomed his victims by encouraging them to participate in sexual acts in exchange for cash and gifts.
The most recent offences involved a 14-year-old victim, to whom Dunthorn paid substantial sums of money over a 12-month period for sexual acts.
After sentencing, HHJ Townsend commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward and reliving their painful experiences during the court proceedings.
Investigating officer Andy Bath stated, "I would like to praise the bravery of the victims who reported the offences to the police and instigated an investigation.
After an initial report, a further three victims came forward, all having suffered similar traumatic events at the hands of the defendant." He continued, "Dunthorn created opportunities to meet in secret, paying money to keep his crimes hidden.
He has shown no remorse and has consistently denied his illegal activities throughout the lengthy investigation and trial.
Nevertheless, the jury found him guilty on nine charges.
I hope the victims find some comfort in knowing that he will now serve time in custody for what he has done."
