JOHN THOMPSON FROM LEICESTER SENTENCED FOR REPEATED SEX ABUSE OF GIRLS IN THE 1980S

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Leicester, a 73-year-old man named John Thompson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed during the 1980s. The conviction follows a detailed trial where Thompson was found guilty of 20 counts of indecent assault against three young girls, as well as two counts of rape involving one of the victims.

Thompson’s victims ranged in age from as young as six to as old as 16. Two of the girls, who were between six and 12 years old at the time, endured repeated abuse at his hands. The most severe allegations involved the rape of a girl who was only 16 when Thompson, then aged 48, forced her into sexual acts. The court heard that these acts of abuse spanned several years, with Thompson exploiting his position of trust and grooming the victims over an extended period.

Leicester Crown Court was informed that Thompson had a troubling history of prior convictions related to similar offenses. In 1981, he received a suspended sentence after being convicted of indecently assaulting three young girls in a park. Two years later, in 1983, he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for sex offenses committed against a girl aged between 10 and 11. Despite these previous convictions, Thompson was able to reoffend, raising concerns about the adequacy of checks and supervision after his earlier sentences.

Prosecutor Mary Prior emphasized the profound and lasting impact of Thompson’s abuse on his victims. During the trial, the girls bravely provided evidence detailing how their lives had been severely affected by his actions, leaving them with ongoing difficulties in leading normal adult lives. The court was told that Thompson’s conduct was both revolting and shocking, characterized by grooming and repeated exploitation.

Thompson, who resides on Marriott Road, Saffron Lane, Leicester, denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings. However, Judge Mark Rogers did not accept his denial, condemning his actions and the lack of remorse shown. In his sentencing remarks, the judge stated, “You’ve shown no regret or remorse. The consequences for the victims have been severe and far-reaching. Your course of conduct was both revolting and shocking. They were groomed by you. You were released from a sentence in 1984, and it was expected that your contact with children would be monitored, but it was not scrutinized. You and you alone chose to abuse those girls and did so repeatedly.”

Judge Rogers highlighted the chilling testimony of one victim, who described feelings of powerlessness and fear of not being believed. The court heard that Thompson targeted a particularly vulnerable girl, who had limited capabilities, making her “easy prey.” The judge remarked, “She was a virgin. She was too afraid to tell anyone. You ignored her requests to stop.”

While acknowledging the seriousness of the case, Judge Rogers also expressed concern about the impact of Thompson’s imprisonment on his wife, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair. He noted that Thompson’s incarceration would have significant consequences for her, given her dependence on him.

Felicity Gerry, representing Thompson, provided mitigating circumstances, stating that since the offenses, Thompson had married and been a dedicated full-time carer for his wife. She described his wife as being entirely dependent on him and expressed hope for their eventual reunion. Gerry also mentioned that Thompson is in remission from cancer and has a history of anxiety and depression, adding context to his overall health and personal circumstances.

Ultimately, the court’s decision reflects the gravity of Thompson’s crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims, emphasizing the importance of justice and protection for vulnerable individuals in the community of Leicester.