GEORGE PAYNE SENTENCED IN PECKHAM FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SIX-YEAR-OLD BOY

On November 2, 1992, a disturbing case unfolded at the Old Bailey involving George Payne, a 34-year-old man from Peckham, who was convicted of a heinous sexual assault against a six-year-old boy. The court heard that Payne's actions had caused severe physical and psychological trauma to the young victim, with lasting effects that continue to be felt.

According to court reports, the incident took place when the boy visited Payne's flat located in Aylesbury House on the Friary Estate in Peckham. The child had gone there to watch cartoons, a routine visit that turned into a nightmare. Prosecutor Mr. Brian Reece described how the boy confided in his mother about the assault, prompting immediate police intervention. It was revealed that during the brief hour the boy was at Payne's residence, he was subjected to a serious sexual act, specifically buggery.

Subsequent DNA testing provided what was described as 'overwhelming' evidence linking Payne directly to the assault. Despite this, Payne maintained his innocence during police interviews and psychiatric assessments. However, during the court proceedings, he ultimately admitted to the act of buggery, a confession that the judge acknowledged.

The court was informed that Payne had a criminal record, primarily for dishonesty and violence, but notably, he had no prior convictions related to sexual offenses. The impact on the young victim was emphasized by Detective Constable Alan Purvis, who stated that the boy continued to suffer from the effects of the attack, illustrating the long-term damage inflicted.

Defense lawyer Mr. Ignatius Fessal requested that the court consider Payne's guilty plea as a mitigating factor, arguing that it spared the boy from the additional trauma of testifying in court. In response, Mr. Justice Alliott remarked that the only credit he could offer Payne was for his confession.

As the sentence was handed down, Payne, who was unemployed at the time, showed no visible reaction to the five-year prison term. The judge's decision underscored the severity of the crime, which he described as 'scarcely worse' in its nature, reflecting the profound breach of trust and the devastating impact on the young victim.