GRAHAM DAVIES FROM BUSHEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN ST ALBANS

In July 2010, a 75-year-old former soldier from Bushey, Graham Davies, was sentenced in St Albans Crown Court for his involvement in a sexual assault case that shocked the local community and drew widespread condemnation.

During the court proceedings, Judge John Plumstead delivered a stern rebuke to Davies, emphasizing the gravity of his actions and the betrayal of the values associated with his military service. Noting the emblem of the elite fighting force he once served, which was visible on the blazer he wore, the judge declared, "You are a disgrace to the badge you wear on your chest." He further added, "That is something associated with a former part of your life when you served your country. You are now disgraced."

Graham Davies, who resides on Herne Road in Bushey, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in the previous year. The court heard that Davies, who suffers from multiple health issues, faced additional charges; however, these were dropped after he admitted to grabbing the girl’s breasts beneath her clothing. This admission was made following his request for a 'Goodyear' indication—a legal procedure where a defendant is informed of the likely sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.

In light of his guilty plea, age, health conditions, and the fact that he had no prior criminal record, Judge Plumstead sentenced Davies to nine months in prison, suspended for two years. The court acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but also considered the mitigating factors, opting for a suspended sentence rather than immediate incarceration.

A victim impact statement was read aloud in court, revealing the profound and lasting effects of the assault on the young girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons. She described her ongoing trauma, stating, "I have nightmares with the man in the background laughing at me. I have a hard time trusting people and am always looking over my shoulder and do not go out any more." She further expressed her fear and emotional distress, saying, "Since it happened I hate older men and do not feel safe in their presence. I have been depressed and crying a lot."

As part of his sentence, Davies was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). The conditions of this order prohibit him from contacting any child under 16 unless an appropriate adult is present, and he is barred from working with children under 18. These restrictions are set to remain in place until further notice.

Judge Plumstead emphasized the impact of Davies’s actions, stating, "You have pleaded guilty to sexual assault and we now know the effect it has had upon her. By this perverse sexual assault, you have undermined her life. That is a shame to you and something you can reflect on." He acknowledged Davies’s age and health, remarking, "You are an old man and ill, and to send you down would be unnecessarily cruel. I shan't do that." The judge explained that while the offense crossed the threshold for custody, the suspension was appropriate given the circumstances.

Davies, who receives a pension of approximately £13,000 annually, was also ordered to pay £500 in court costs. When asked if he understood the proceedings, Davies responded in a military manner, "Yes sir," before leaving the dock at St Albans Crown Court on that Friday.