LEE ORNSTEIN SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE IN THE ISLE OF MAN AND GREAT YARMOUTH

In a case that has shocked the community, Lee Ornstein, a 29-year-old children’s party organiser from Malew Street, Castletown, Isle of Man, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 17 years after admitting to the heinous crime of raping a young girl under the age of 13. Ornstein’s criminal actions took place in the Great Yarmouth area, where he exploited his position of trust and authority to commit these grave offenses.

During the proceedings at Norwich Crown Court, the prosecution, led by John Farmer, detailed the disturbing nature of the case. It was revealed that Ornstein had assaulted the young girl, and in a chilling revelation, he had threatened her with death should she disclose what had transpired. This intimidation was intended to silence the victim and prevent her from seeking help or reporting the abuse.

The court heard how the trauma inflicted by Ornstein’s actions had a lasting and devastating impact on the victim. In an emotional impact statement read out in court, her family described how the abuse had robbed her of her childhood. They explained that she now suffers from panic attacks and has experienced significant changes in her personality, highlighting the profound psychological scars left by Ornstein’s crimes.

Judge Stephen Holt, presiding over the case, expressed his deep concern about the nature of Ornstein’s offenses. He emphasized that Ornstein posed a “high risk of harm” to children and voiced his alarm that someone involved in organizing children’s parties could have such malicious intent. The judge remarked, “Your job was organising parties for children. There must be a feeling that you pursued that line of work so you could get close to children.”

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Holt described the impact statement from the victim’s family as one of the saddest he had ever encountered. He stated, “No words can express what you did to that family,” underscoring the severity of Ornstein’s actions and their devastating effects.

Furthermore, the judge ordered Ornstein to be subject to an extended seven-year license upon his release, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from any potential risk.

During the trial, Ornstein’s defense, represented by Michael Clare, claimed that his client was in denial about the offences, despite his plea of guilt. Clare also pointed out that there was only one victim involved in the case, though this did not mitigate the gravity of the crimes committed.

Lee Ornstein’s case has garnered significant attention, not only because of the heinous nature of the crimes but also due to the disturbing fact that he was involved in organizing activities for children in the Isle of Man, raising questions about safeguarding and vetting procedures in such roles.