LINDA DENHAM SHOCKS HAVANT WITH CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE AT PORTSMOUTH CROWN COURT

In a deeply disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Havant, Linda Denham, a woman aged 67, was convicted of indecency with her own son, an incident that took place within her own home. The court proceedings revealed a troubling history of abuse that has left lasting scars on the victim, Andrew, now 44 years old, who chose to waive his anonymity to speak out about the trauma he endured.

Andrew recounted how his mother exploited his innocence during his childhood, specifically when he was still a young boy approaching his teenage years. He described an incident where she forced him to touch her breasts while pretending to offer comfort in her bed, an act that took place while her late step-father, John, was away in Saudi Arabia. This betrayal of trust occurred in the privacy of their home, a place that should have been a sanctuary but instead became a site of abuse.

The court heard that Denham’s predatory behavior was not an isolated event but part of a pattern that was concealed for years. Andrew explained that he had previously confided in police in Hampshire about the abuse, but was met with skepticism. Police officers reportedly told him that 'a jury would never believe a mother would do such a thing to her son,' a statement that compounded his feelings of helplessness and despair. Despite this, Andrew persisted and returned to the authorities in 2015, prompting a formal investigation that was eventually taken over by Sussex Police.

During the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, prosecutor Rufus Taylor described the relationship between mother and son as 'odd,' highlighting the disturbing nature of the abuse. The court was told that when Andrew questioned his mother about his unclear memories of childhood and whether he should seek counseling, she responded coldly, suggesting that he might have been sexually abused. This dismissive attitude underscored the denial and concealment that had shrouded the case for years.

In her defense, Denham-Larholt denied all charges, including indecent assault against her son when he was a child and another charge related to an incident when he was an adult. However, the court found her guilty of indecency with a child, specifically for encouraging or inciting her son to feel her breasts during a moment of supposed comfort. The judge, Recorder Michael Vere-Hodge QC, described the incident as 'highly unusual for a mother to commit such an offence on her own son,' emphasizing the natural public condemnation such acts evoke.

Sentencing, which was handed down yesterday, saw Denham-Larholt receive a six-month jail term, suspended for two years. She was also subjected to a one-month curfew and an electronic tag to monitor her movements. Additionally, she was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years. The judge noted that the sentence was based on 'an isolated incident of incitement to commit an act of gross indecency,' and stressed that while the crime was serious, it did not reach the severity of the worst cases of indecency.

Addressing the defendant directly, the judge remarked on the gravity of her actions, highlighting the profound breach of trust and the societal outrage such conduct provokes. Despite her denial of all charges, she was ultimately convicted and held accountable for her actions, which have left a lasting impact on her son and the community of Havant.