DAVID ACRES SENTENCED IN CHIPPENHAM FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF VULNERABLE BOY
| Red Rose Database
Chippenham Sexual Abuser
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Chippenham, a man named David Acres has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offences committed against a young boy over a period of several years. The offences, which date back to the 1980s and early 1990s, came to light after the victim, now in his forties, bravely came forward to share his harrowing story.
Acres, aged 64 and residing on Deansway in Chippenham, was found guilty at Swindon Crown Court earlier this month. The court heard that Acres had sexually abused the boy, beginning when he was just nine years old, and continuing for approximately seven years. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, described the profound and lasting impact the abuse has had on his life.
He recounted suffering from night terrors, which he clarified were not ordinary nightmares but episodes where he relived the traumatic events, causing him to fear sleep altogether. The victim explained that these episodes severely affected his ability to function, including his work performance. To cope, he turned to alcohol and drugs, seeking temporary relief from the memories that haunted him.
He detailed how the abuse started in 1984 and persisted until 1991. However, it was only three years later that he found the courage to disclose what had happened. His revelation occurred during a blood donation session at the Chippenham Olympiad, where a question about unprotected anal sex triggered a visible reaction of distress. Recognizing his discomfort, the staff member suggested he speak with someone, prompting him to confide in his lecturers and friends for the first time.
When he eventually told his mother, her reaction was one of shock and horror, as she had been completely unaware of the abuse. His family was deeply concerned for his physical and mental well-being. The victim admitted that he had contemplated suicide on a few occasions, feeling unclean and overwhelmed by the trauma. Despite seeking counselling, he initially refrained from reporting the abuse to the police, fearing repercussions for his family, especially since his mother was suffering from serious health issues and was on painkillers at the time.
It was only two and a half years ago that he decided to go to the police, motivated by his role as a care assistant and his strong sense of duty to protect others. His decision to come forward was also driven by a desire to prevent similar harm to others in the community.
The court proceedings were particularly difficult for the victim, as he had to relive the traumatic events twice—once during the initial trial in September 2015, which resulted in a hung jury, and again during the sentencing. He described the experience as slow and emotionally draining, feeling as though he was watching everything unfold in slow motion with the volume turned down.
Expressing a sense of relief and justice, he acknowledged that the process has been an uphill battle. He extended his gratitude to the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, his family, his employer, and the NSPCC for their unwavering support throughout the ordeal. The victim emphasized the importance of speaking out, especially for victims of same-sex abuse, and encouraged others to seek help, reassuring them that they are not to blame.
In conclusion, the case of David Acres serves as a stark reminder of the lasting scars of childhood abuse and the importance of community vigilance and support for victims. His story highlights the courage it takes to come forward and the justice that can be achieved through perseverance and the dedication of law enforcement and support organizations.
Acres, aged 64 and residing on Deansway in Chippenham, was found guilty at Swindon Crown Court earlier this month. The court heard that Acres had sexually abused the boy, beginning when he was just nine years old, and continuing for approximately seven years. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, described the profound and lasting impact the abuse has had on his life.
He recounted suffering from night terrors, which he clarified were not ordinary nightmares but episodes where he relived the traumatic events, causing him to fear sleep altogether. The victim explained that these episodes severely affected his ability to function, including his work performance. To cope, he turned to alcohol and drugs, seeking temporary relief from the memories that haunted him.
He detailed how the abuse started in 1984 and persisted until 1991. However, it was only three years later that he found the courage to disclose what had happened. His revelation occurred during a blood donation session at the Chippenham Olympiad, where a question about unprotected anal sex triggered a visible reaction of distress. Recognizing his discomfort, the staff member suggested he speak with someone, prompting him to confide in his lecturers and friends for the first time.
When he eventually told his mother, her reaction was one of shock and horror, as she had been completely unaware of the abuse. His family was deeply concerned for his physical and mental well-being. The victim admitted that he had contemplated suicide on a few occasions, feeling unclean and overwhelmed by the trauma. Despite seeking counselling, he initially refrained from reporting the abuse to the police, fearing repercussions for his family, especially since his mother was suffering from serious health issues and was on painkillers at the time.
It was only two and a half years ago that he decided to go to the police, motivated by his role as a care assistant and his strong sense of duty to protect others. His decision to come forward was also driven by a desire to prevent similar harm to others in the community.
The court proceedings were particularly difficult for the victim, as he had to relive the traumatic events twice—once during the initial trial in September 2015, which resulted in a hung jury, and again during the sentencing. He described the experience as slow and emotionally draining, feeling as though he was watching everything unfold in slow motion with the volume turned down.
Expressing a sense of relief and justice, he acknowledged that the process has been an uphill battle. He extended his gratitude to the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, his family, his employer, and the NSPCC for their unwavering support throughout the ordeal. The victim emphasized the importance of speaking out, especially for victims of same-sex abuse, and encouraged others to seek help, reassuring them that they are not to blame.
In conclusion, the case of David Acres serves as a stark reminder of the lasting scars of childhood abuse and the importance of community vigilance and support for victims. His story highlights the courage it takes to come forward and the justice that can be achieved through perseverance and the dedication of law enforcement and support organizations.