HORNSCHURCH PAEDOPHILE DAVID POWIS SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF SCHOOLBOY OVER 35 YEARS AGO

In a case that has spanned decades, David Powis, aged 76, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a young boy more than 35 years ago. The disturbing incidents took place in Hornchurch, Essex, during the early 1980s, a period marked by the victim’s vulnerable age and the betrayal of trust by those responsible for his care.

According to court records, Powis was entrusted with the care of the eight-year-old boy on three separate occasions between October 1980 and October 1982. These instances occurred when the boy’s step-father, who was abusive himself, left him in Powis’s supervision. The young boy, who was particularly vulnerable at the time, was subjected to sexual abuse during these visits, which have only now come to light after decades of silence.

The court heard that on each of these occasions, Powis engaged in inappropriate and criminal conduct towards the boy. One particularly disturbing incident involved Powis persuading the young victim to perform sexual acts not only on himself but also on an underage girl he was caring for at the time. This revelation has added to the severity of the case, highlighting the extent of Powis’s misconduct and the betrayal of trust involved.

The sentencing reflects the gravity of the crimes committed, with the judge emphasizing the lasting impact such abuse can have on victims. The case has drawn attention to the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the need for vigilance in situations where trust is exploited for criminal purposes. Powis’s actions, which remained hidden for decades, have now been brought to justice, offering some measure of closure to the survivor and serving as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting children from abuse.