GORDON DUNN SENTENCED IN SOUTHAMPTON FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG BOY AT AGE 90
In December 2019, a distressing case unfolded at Southampton Crown Court involving Gordon Dunn, a 90-year-old resident of Southampton, who was found guilty of sexually abusing a young boy over a prolonged period.The court heard that Dunn had engaged in a pattern of grooming and assault that spanned six years, from 2012 to 2018, targeting the victim repeatedly during this time.
Despite his denial of the allegations, the jury convicted Dunn on multiple counts after a thorough trial.
The verdict included guilty findings on at least five separate occasions of sexual assault on a child, as well as two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
However, the jury acquitted him of one additional count of sexual assault and another of sexual activity with a child, indicating that the evidence did not support those charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Following the conviction, Dunn was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison by Judge Peter Henry.
The judge emphasized that Dunn’s advanced age could not serve as a mitigating factor in the sentencing.
In his remarks, Judge Henry stated, “Of course I am aware you are 90 years old but age itself is not a mitigating factor.
You are elderly, but it is not mitigating to say that you might die in prison.
There are serious matters… and they must be met with a commensurate sentence.” During the proceedings, Dunn’s barrister, Bernice Mulvanny, highlighted her client’s lifelong faith as a Jehovah’s Witness and expressed her belief that Dunn is likely to die in prison.
She explained, “The reality of the situation is that no matter how long he is given in prison, it is likely he will not serve the full period.
It is likely he will die in prison.
He asks through me if at all possible that you make it as short as you possibly can in the circumstances.
One that gives him a glimmer of hope of seeing the outside world.” It was also noted that Dunn has been disfellowshipped by his Jehovah’s Witness community, which may have impacted his social standing and support network.
Dunn, whose address is listed as Merton Road, Southampton, received the sentence after the court considered the gravity of his actions and the need for justice for the victim.
The case underscores the serious consequences of sexual abuse, regardless of the offender’s age, and highlights the judicial system’s stance on such offenses.
