GERALD CONNORS FROM GUILDFORD SENTENCED FOR DEPRAVED ATTEMPT TO RAPE YOUNG GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Guildford, Gerald Connors, aged 53, of Cline Road, was sentenced to a total of six and a half years in prison following his conviction on serious charges related to sexual offenses against minors. The proceedings took place at Guildford Crown Court, where Connors faced a total of seven charges spanning incidents from the late 1990s through 2011.

During the trial, the jury reached a majority verdict of ten to two, finding Connors guilty of attempting to rape a 13-year-old girl. This particular charge was one of the most severe, reflecting the gravity of the alleged assault. Additionally, Connors was convicted of gross indecency with a child, a charge that underscores the disturbing nature of his conduct. However, he was acquitted of one count involving sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16, indicating that the jury did not find sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt for that particular allegation.

Judge Michael Addison, presiding over the case, sentenced Connors last Friday to six and a half years for the attempted rape. Concurrently, he received an additional two-year sentence for gross indecency, which will run alongside the primary sentence. The court was unable to reach a verdict on four remaining charges, leaving those counts unresolved. The Crown Prosecution Service announced that, following the sentencing, they would not pursue a retrial on those unresolved charges, effectively concluding the case against Connors.

Detective Constable Conor Nixon of Surrey Police commented on the case, emphasizing the severity and depravity of Connors' actions. He expressed hope that the sentencing would provide some measure of closure for the victim and aid her in moving forward with her life. The officer praised the victim for her bravery and resilience in coming forward after many years, acknowledging the courage it takes to pursue justice in such cases. Nixon also highlighted the extensive and lengthy nature of the investigation, which was supported by the victim’s cooperation. He urged other victims of similar crimes to report incidents to Surrey Police, reaffirming the force’s commitment to treating all allegations of sexual abuse with the utmost seriousness.

Gerald Connors, who was previously residing on Park Barn Drive, was arrested in February 2012. He initially pleaded not guilty to all charges in June of that year. During the trial, Connors admitted to struggling with a long-standing alcohol problem and acknowledged gaps in his memory, but he denied any sexual misconduct towards the victim. The court was shown recordings from police interviews conducted in 2012, which included statements from the victim describing multiple incidents dating back to between 1998 and 2001, where she claimed Connors touched her or made her touch him. The most serious incident involved Connors attempting to rape her when she was about 13, an event she described as waking up to find him on top of her, feeling as if her life was in danger.

The victim recounted her experience, saying, “That’s what was going through my head – I’m being raped. And I thought I was going to die.” The case also included evidence of Connors making her touch him inappropriately on another occasion. Three charges, including the one of sexual activity with a minor, involved a second girl, but Connors was acquitted of that particular count. The trial revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior, and the court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such offenses are treated in Guildford and the wider Surrey area.