JOHN BALL JAILED FOR 19 YEARS IN TAUNTON FOR PERVERTED ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL
In October 2017, a retired civil servant from Taunton was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl.The man, identified as John Ball, was found guilty of multiple counts related to the abuse, which had remained hidden for over ten years before coming to light during the trial.
John Ball, aged 65 and residing on Compton Close in Taunton, faced serious charges including two counts of child rape, eight counts of indecent assault, and one count of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
Despite his vehement denial of these allegations, a jury at Taunton Crown Court convicted him on all counts last month.
The severity of his crimes was underscored by the impact they had on the victim, who was only four years old when the abuse began.
Following the verdict, Judge Erik Salomonsen sentenced Ball to 19 years in prison, complemented by an additional year on extended licence.
The judge also mandated that Ball register as a sex offender for life, emphasizing the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
During the sentencing, Judge Salomonsen delivered a stark condemnation of Ball’s actions, stating, "You abused this girl repeatedly for your own sexual gratification, often when you had been drinking.
She described graphically the smell of alcohol." The judge further highlighted the manipulative and controlling nature of Ball’s conduct, noting, "You told her that this is what little girls do, and she knew no better.
You acknowledge you are a strong adult and describe yourself as a leader, not a follower.
You are an assertive man." He also pointed out the long-lasting psychological damage inflicted upon the victim, who struggled to disclose the abuse even as she grew older.
The court heard that the victim’s statement revealed how the trauma had altered her life, especially since the abuse occurred during a critical period of her cognitive development.
Judge Salomonsen remarked, "This has clearly had a psychological impact on her.
Your plea of not guilty meant she was put to proof in the witness box and made to relive her experiences." Addressing Ball directly, the judge emphasized the gravity of his misconduct, stating, "Nothing could have been further from the truth" when Ball claimed the allegations were false.
He explained that, as often happens in cases involving a dominant male figure, the victim remained silent for years due to fear and confusion.
The court acknowledged her vulnerability and the profound effect the abuse had on her, underscoring the importance of justice in such cases.
