JOHN SYMONS PLYMOUTH SEX OFFENDER AVOIDS JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON TWO SISTERS
In a case that has spanned over four decades, John Symons, a 65-year-old resident of Plymouth, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses committed against two young sisters during their childhood.The incidents, which took place more than 30 years ago, have only recently come to light, leading to a lengthy legal process that culminated in a court hearing at Plymouth Crown Court.
Symons, who resides on Fort Austin Avenue in the Eggbuckland area, faced charges related to indecently touching the older sister once between August 1971 and August 1973.
Additionally, he was found guilty of two counts of sexually assaulting the younger sister, with these offenses occurring between 1976 and 1978.
The trial, which lasted four days, saw Symons deny all eight allegations brought against him, asserting that any contact was accidental and that he could not recall being alone with the girls at any time.
The jury, composed of seven men and five women, deliberated for more than eight and a half hours before reaching their verdicts.
They convicted Symons by majority on three counts: two of sexual assault against the younger sister and one of indecent assault against the older sister.
Notably, he was acquitted of attempting to rape the younger sister, as well as other charges including indecency with a child and additional indecent assault allegations.
During the trial, Symons maintained that any inappropriate touching was unintentional, claiming that any contact above the clothing was accidental.
He also stated that he could not remember being alone with the girls at their former home in Plymouth or in his residence in Prince Maurice Road, Mutley.
The court heard that the sisters did not report the abuse to authorities until 2012, more than three decades after the alleged incidents.
Following the conviction, High Court Judge Mr.
Justice Dingemans, after reviewing a probation report, sentenced Symons to 18 months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years.
The judge also ordered Symons to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and to register as a sex offender for ten years.
The sentencing took place at Bristol Crown Court, where Judge Dingemans was sitting on another case.
Symons’s legal team indicated that psychological and psychiatric assessments would be prepared, and he was released on bail pending his sentencing scheduled for December 9 in Bristol.
The case has brought to light the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of justice, even many years after the offenses occurred.
