BISHOPS LYDEARD PENSIONER JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE AFTER DECADES OF DENIAL

Pensioner Edmund Hennessy, aged 72, from Bishops Lydeard, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a child over three decades ago. The victim, whose identity remains confidential to protect her anonymity, recounted the ongoing trauma caused by Hennessy's actions, describing how she experiences terrifying flashbacks, suffers from low self-esteem, and has difficulty trusting others. She expressed relief that justice has been served, stating, "Now an outcome has been reached and justice will be served, I feel I can start to heal and move on and start to rebuild my life." The court proceedings date back to a retrial in July following a conviction in 2022 for one count of indecent assault, with the jury unable to reach a verdict on the other charges initially. Hennessy appeared at Bristol Crown Court on September 5, where he was jailed for eight offences related to the abuse. Authorities and police officials, including PC Nikki Adams, emphasized the bravery of the victim and condemned Hennessy’s continued denial of his crimes, with Adams commenting, "His continued refusal to acknowledge his sickening crimes meant the victim had to go through the trial process twice." Advocacy groups and police urge victims of sexual offences, recent or historical, to come forward and seek help, assuring full support and thorough investigation for justice.