CHRISTOPHER SYMES AND HIS SHOCKING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN DORSET
A man described as 'manipulative' and deeply unremorseful has been sentenced to a substantial prison term after he was convicted of sexually abusing five women, all of whom were children at the time of the offenses, in a disturbing pattern of abuse that extended over nearly thirty years.The offences, committed by Christopher Symes, took place in Dorset and came to light after a detailed investigation and a lengthy legal process.
Symes, aged 58 and residing on Lorne Road in Dorchester, was convicted following a trial at Salisbury Crown Court on November 10.
The jury found him guilty of eight counts of indecent assault, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, and one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Prior to the trial, Symes had pleaded guilty to an additional six charges that included three counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of taking indecent photographs of a minor.
The allegations date back to incidents spanning from 1984 through 2012.
The first victim came forward in December 2017, revealing that she had been sexually abused by Symes starting when she was around nine or ten years old.
Her disclosure prompted further investigations, leading to interviews with other women, all of whom reported similar abuse committed by Symes during their childhood.
Authorities seized Symes’s phone during arrest procedures, where they discovered indecent images associated with one of his victims.
During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that five women, whose identities are protected for legal reasons, came forward to accuse Symes of luring them into harmful situations while they were minors.
The court was told that Symes’s actions reflected a pattern of systematic abuse and manipulation, targeting vulnerable young girls.
At a sentencing hearing held at Bournemouth Crown Court on December 21, Judge Robert Pawson described Symes as a ‘manipulative’ and ‘unrepentant’ individual who systematically exploited girls in his close proximity.
The judge emphasized the lifelong trauma inflicted upon the victims, stating, “All five women suffered at the time of the abuse, and some have carried that pain for decades afterwards.” Victims’ personal statements, presented during a previous hearing, painted a harrowing picture of betrayal and loss.
One woman shared how Symes, who was in a position of trust, ‘completely violated’ her innocence by sexually abusing her—a betrayal that she felt has left scars for life.
Many of the victims expressed feelings of guilt, believing they should have spoken out sooner to prevent future abuse.
The judge sought to reassure them, affirming, “None of them has anything to blame themselves for.
They were children, and it was not their fault that you chose to abuse them.” In delivering the sentence, Judge Pawson imposed a total of 17 years, consisting of 14 years of incarceration followed by a three-year extension.
The extension was justified by a pre-sentence report indicating Symes posed a significant risk to female children.
Additionally, Symes was issued an indefinite restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victims by any means.
He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Following the sentencing, Dorset Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team praised the victims for their bravery.
Detective Constable Georgina Boast expressed gratitude, stating, “I want to praise the victims in this case for having the courage to come forward and support this investigation, which has greatly contributed to securing justice.
Thanks to their evidence, we have successfully convicted a serial offender who abused several victims over many years.” Boast also hoped this case would inspire others who have suffered similar abuse to come forward, emphasizing that support is available and that justice can be achieved even after many years.
This case marks a significant victory for the victims and highlights the importance of relentless investigation and judicial commitment in addressing severe childhood sexual abuse in Dorset.
