DENNIS PALMER OF WINCHCOMBE AND STEVENAGE JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN THE 1970S AND 1980S

In a case that has shocked the communities of Winchcombe and Stevenage, Dennis Palmer, aged 67, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two young girls during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Palmer, who was once employed as a police officer with the Ministry of Defence, faced justice at Bristol Crown Court following his conviction at Gloucester Crown Court last month on multiple counts of indecent assault.

Palmer's criminal history includes a series of disturbing offenses involving two innocent girls. The first victim, who was only 10 years old at the time, disclosed to her mother about the inappropriate acts committed by Palmer. Despite her revelation, no immediate action was taken by her family or authorities. The second victim, a five-year-old girl, also confided in her mother about Palmer’s assault, but similarly, no steps were taken to report the abuse at that time.

During the trial, the court heard harrowing details of Palmer’s misconduct. The jury was informed that Palmer would often creep into the bedrooms of his young victims after returning from nights out drinking. One of the victims recounted how Palmer would crawl on his hands and knees towards her bed and place his hands under her duvet in a disturbing attempt to assault her. The young girl would try to resist by holding down the sides of her duvet, but the abuse persisted.

Palmer’s actions did not stop with the first girl. He went on to assault the second victim, a five-year-old, in a similar manner. Both girls, despite their distress, told their mothers about the incidents, but regrettably, law enforcement was not notified at the time, allowing Palmer to evade immediate justice.

Originally from Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, Palmer later moved to Stevenage, Hertfordshire, where he resided on Faraday Road. His employment history includes service in the Royal Navy, followed by various jobs, including a stint as a driver for Castleway Coaches in Winchcombe, before working for the MoD police for approximately three decades.

His conviction was secured after a jury at Gloucester Crown Court deliberated for just two and a half hours, reaching a unanimous verdict of guilt on five counts of indecent assault. The sentencing hearing was held at Bristol Crown Court because the Gloucester courthouse was unavailable due to an overnight ceiling collapse in the cells.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC sentenced Palmer to four consecutive one-year terms for four of the counts, with an additional year to be served concurrently for the fifth count. Furthermore, Palmer received a four-year extended license period, which means he can be recalled to prison at any time within six years if he breaches parole conditions or commits further offenses. The judge also ordered Palmer to sign the sex offender register for life, emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

Throughout the trial, the court heard that despite the victims’ disclosures to their mothers, no police action was taken at the time, allowing Palmer to continue his predatory behavior. The case has brought renewed attention to the importance of early intervention and the devastating impact of childhood abuse. Palmer’s sentencing marks a significant step in delivering justice for the victims and underscores the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from such heinous acts.