JAMES DUNDAS URE ABUSE CASE SHOCKS NORTHFIELD AND URE

In a harrowing case that has shaken the community of Northfield and brought to light the dark deeds of a convicted sex offender, James Dundas has been found guilty of heinous crimes committed decades ago. The story begins with a brave woman from Birmingham, Kerry Powell, who has courageously shared her traumatic experience of being abducted as a young girl, an incident that occurred over 34 years ago, yet continues to haunt her to this day.

On a summer afternoon in 1982, Kerry, then just four years old, was on Northfield street near the Black Horse pub when her life was forever altered. Her mother had briefly entered the pub, leaving Kerry outside on a bench, where she was approached by a man she recognized as a friend of her mother’s partner, James Dundas. Although she did not know him well, she remembered his face and believed he had spoken to her mother about her hunger, which made her trust him at the time.

According to Kerry’s account, Dundas, also known locally as ‘Jimmy Jimmy,’ told her it was okay for him to take her to the chip shop. She recalls him lifting her up and walking her to a nearby shop, but then diverting her to a different location. They moved through a gap filled with debris and stingers, where Dundas subjected her to sexual assault. Kerry vividly remembers the panic she felt, the fear of what was happening, and the desperate attempt to escape.

She recounted how Dundas pushed her into a backroom toilet, slammed the door, and left her in complete darkness, terrified he would return and harm her further. Her screams eventually allowed her to escape, and she ran back through the debris-filled alley, narrowly avoiding being hit by a passing car. Reunited with her mother, Kerry kept the details of her ordeal to herself for many years, too frightened and confused to speak out at the time. She only confided in her mother when she was 17, and together they reported the incident to the police. However, the investigation at that time was inconclusive, as Dundas, who had lived in Northfield’s Tinkers Farm Road during the 1980s, could not be located.

Over the years, Kerry believed that Dundas, who had also resided in Scotland and Canada, might have committed similar acts elsewhere. Her suspicions grew, and she became determined to seek justice. In March of the previous year, she made a renewed effort to report her assault, inspired by media stories about victims coming forward after many years. This time, law enforcement authorities took her case seriously, leading to the arrest of Dundas.

Initially, Kerry was skeptical when police contacted her with the suspect’s name, James Dundas, and she thought there had been a mistake. She admitted that she had never expected her abuser to be identified or caught, and the revelation was both shocking and relieving. Dundas, aged 66 at the time of his conviction, was finally brought to justice last week, found guilty of indecent assault. He received a prison sentence of three years and was ordered to remain on the sex offenders register for life.

The sentence, while a step towards justice, did not fully satisfy Kerry, who believes Dundas’s crimes extend beyond her own experience. She expressed her hope that he would spend the rest of his life behind bars, emphasizing her relief that he is no longer free to harm children. She also voiced her belief that Dundas had taken many opportunities to abuse other children, given his history of living in different countries and areas, including Northfield, Scotland, and Canada.

Kerry’s story highlights the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse. She shared how the trauma affected her mental health, leading to severe depression and even suicidal thoughts during her youth. The scars of that day continue to influence her relationships, her trust in others, and her interactions with her children. Her mother, who has supported her throughout, has also been deeply affected by the revelations.

Now, with the court case concluded, Kerry hopes to find some peace and enjoy her Christmas with her family. She encourages other victims to come forward, reassuring them that law enforcement and court staff are supportive and caring. Her message is one of resilience and hope, emphasizing that justice can be achieved even after many years. She concludes by expressing pride in her courage to speak out and hopes her story will inspire others to seek justice and break the silence surrounding childhood abuse.