JOHN DOBSON FROM BROUGH FACES YEARS IN PRISON FOR HISTORICAL SEXUAL ABUSE NEAR KIRKBY STEPHEN

In a recent court ruling at Carlisle Crown Court, John Dobson, a 64-year-old man from Brough, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl over two decades ago. The case has garnered significant attention due to the nature of the allegations and the lengthy period over which the offenses occurred.

Dobson faced two charges of indecent assault, with the incidents reportedly taking place more than 25 years in the past. The trial revealed that the victim, now an adult, provided police with a detailed account of her experiences during an interview last year. Her testimony was supported by a recorded police interview, which was presented to the jury for their consideration.

According to her statement, she recounted two separate incidents of sexual abuse by Dobson, which took place when she was still in primary school. She described feeling overwhelmed and distressed during the assaults. In her own words, she told police, “I just remember crying. I wanted him to stop but he didn’t stop. He didn’t stop at all. He just kept telling me to be quiet.”

In the second incident, she explained that Dobson had warned her not to speak out about what had happened, saying, “He said I wasn’t allowed to say anything because I would get into trouble.” These comments reflected the manipulative and coercive tactics he used to silence her and prevent her from seeking help at the time.

The court heard that Dobson had also ridiculed the girl after she reported the abuse, which compounded her trauma. Prosecutor Neville Biddle emphasized to the jury that the girl’s attempts to seek help were met with disbelief, forcing her to suppress her memories and endure the pain in silence for many years. The emotional toll of this betrayal was a significant aspect of the case.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury reached a unanimous verdict, finding Dobson guilty of both counts of indecent assault. The court also noted that Dobson had previously been convicted in January of this year for two separate sexual offenses involving two different children, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior.

Dobson, who resides on Croft Close in Brough, near Kirkby Stephen, is scheduled for sentencing on July 5. Until then, he remains in custody. Judge James Adkin addressed Dobson directly, stating, “You have been convicted of serious historical sexual offenses, as well as contemporary offenses. You should expect a very long custodial sentence.”

Earlier in the proceedings, Judge Adkin warned the court that the punishment for Dobson’s crimes would be “measured in years,” indicating the severity of the sentence that awaits him. The case underscores the importance of justice for victims of childhood abuse and the ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable, regardless of how much time has passed since the offenses occurred.