JOHN SATERLAY FROM BARNSTAPLE SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS IN NORTH DEVON

In a case that has shocked the community of Barnstaple and the wider North Devon area, a 72-year-old man named John Saterlay has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for heinous acts of sexual abuse involving two young girls. The disturbing incidents occurred over a period spanning from 2010 to 2015, during which Saterlay, a retired engineer, visited the victims' homes and committed multiple offenses that have left lasting scars.

According to court records, Saterlay was found guilty of six counts of sexual assault and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. The court heard that he had inappropriately touched both girls beneath their underwear, actions that inflicted profound psychological trauma. One of the victims, in a heartfelt statement, expressed her pain and loss, saying, “I have lost my innocence and my trust.” The emotional toll of the abuse has manifested in issues such as distrust of men and persistent sleeplessness, highlighting the deep impact of Saterlay’s actions.

Judge Jeremy Wright, presiding over the case at Exeter Crown Court, handed down the sentence after Saterlay admitted to the charges. The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will restrict his contact with children after his release from prison. The judge emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “You were 65 when you began abusing these young children. They trusted you, and this was a serious breach of that trust. One of the victims has said she has lost her innocence.”

The case came to light when the younger girl confided in her parents about the inappropriate touching. Her parents promptly contacted the NSPCC, which led to a police investigation. During the inquiry, the second girl came forward, revealing that Saterlay had touched her on one occasion and had exposed his private parts in front of her on another. The revelations prompted a thorough investigation, bringing Saterlay’s actions to justice and providing some measure of closure for the victims and their families.