JAMES STREET OF DORE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN DERBYSHIRE

In March 2014, a courageous woman named Fallon Marlow, who endured the trauma of child sexual abuse during her teenage years, publicly shared her harrowing experience in an effort to encourage other victims to come forward and seek justice.

Fallon, now 30 years old, chose to waive her right to anonymity to speak openly about her ordeal. Her decision came after 64-year-old James Street, a builder from Dore, was sentenced to eight months in prison after admitting to four counts of indecent assault. The sentencing marked a significant moment for Fallon, who was assaulted by Street on her 30th birthday, a date that remains etched in her memory.

The victim, a mother of two, recounted her painful history, revealing that Street had befriended her foster mother when she was just 15 years old. Fallon explained that Street, who met her through her foster family, exploited her trust and innocence, ultimately stealing her virginity. Over the following five years, Street engaged in daily sexual abuse, a period marked by fear, confusion, and emotional turmoil.

Fallon described her feelings during those dark years, saying, “I knew it was wrong, but I was too scared to tell my foster mum, because I thought I would be moved again and there’d been enough upheaval in my life. I was very confused and frightened. I needed love and attention, but I knew it was wrong at the same time. I craved a father figure because I never had a dad. He told me I was the apple of his eye and he loved me.”

She further revealed that Street would pick her up from school and, while her foster mother was out, he would sexually abuse her. To cover his tracks, Street would give her foster mother money so she could go out and play bingo, leaving Fallon vulnerable and alone with her abuser. Fallon recounted that Street warned her not to tell anyone about the abuse, threatening that if she did, he would be imprisoned.

Despite the passage of 15 years, Fallon continues to suffer from the psychological scars of her abuse. She experiences severe panic attacks that sometimes leave her unable to breathe, and she is on medication for anxiety and depression. She attends regular counselling sessions to cope with her trauma.

Reflecting on her decision to speak out, Fallon said, “For years I bottled it up and kept it all a secret. Now when I think about what he did to me it makes me feel sick. I have nightmares about him and I sometimes think I see him on the street.”

Her motivation for coming forward was driven by her desire to protect her own family, especially her daughter. Fallon expressed her regret that such abuse had occurred and emphasized her commitment to justice, stating, “I would hate to think of anything like that happening to my daughter and I realize how wrong it was. That’s why I went to the police.”

She praised the police for their support and swift investigation, which she said helped her find some closure. Fallon urged other victims to seek help, emphasizing that no one should suffer in silence.

However, Fallon also voiced her frustration over the lengthy legal process. Street, of Townhead Road, Dore, first appeared in court last June, where he admitted to abusing Fallon. Unfortunately, due to a series of administrative errors, his sentencing was delayed until the following day, causing her additional stress. Fallon described the delay as “really stressful,” highlighting the emotional toll of the legal proceedings.

Today, Fallon continues to rebuild her life with her husband Andrew and their children, but the memories and scars of her past remain. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and the need for timely justice for victims.