FRANKLYN DIMOND OF IPSWICH JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN CHELMSFORD

In November 1999, Franklyn Dimond from Ipswich was sentenced to prison for a series of sexual offenses involving a 12-year-old boy. Chelmsford Crown Court heard that Dimond, 48, had engaged in sexual misconduct with the young boy, who was 12 at the time, and had stored obscene images of him on computer disks. Additionally, he possessed images of boys ranging in age from two to 19, which he had downloaded onto his computer. The misconduct was only discovered after his homosexual partner examined one of the disks, revealing the extent of Dimond's abusive material, and subsequently reported it to the police.

Dimond, who resided in Avondale Road, Ipswich, was convicted and sentenced to a total of six years in prison after admitting two counts of indecent assault, one of gross indecency, and a serious sexual offense at his sentencing hearing. He also requested that 14 other charges involving obscene images be taken into consideration.

Judge Brian Watling QC condemned the case as ‘disgraceful,’ emphasizing that the victim was only 12 years old while Dimond was in his late forties. The judge stated, ‘This is a disgraceful case because it involves a young boy who was 12 at the time. You were 46 or 47,’ adding, ‘You have corrupted that boy, and only time will tell what harm your actions have caused him.’

Prosecutor Gerard Pounder explained that the offences occurred at a residence in Dovercourt where Dimond was living. On June 23 of that year, Dimond’s partner discovered several computer disks labeled with the boy’s name and a description, which led to police involvement. Following Dimond’s arrest, he fully confessed to the crimes.

Defense attorney Paul Hyam stated that Dimond had developed a relationship with the boy, describing the abuse as ongoing for approximately a year before discovery. He emphasized that there was no coercion involved but acknowledged that Dimond was aware his actions were wrong. Hyam added, ‘Mercifully, the boy is relatively unscathed by his experiences.’

In addition to the prison term, Dimond was ordered to remain on the sex offenders' register for life.