WEYMOUTH SEX OFFENDER LOUIS POYNER SENTENCED AFTER LONG DELAY IN COURT CASE

In October 2013, a case involving Louis Poyner, a pensioner from Weymouth, drew significant public attention due to the lengthy legal process and the controversial sentencing decision. Poyner, aged 86 at the time, was convicted of four counts of indecency with a child, but the proceedings were marred by multiple delays and juror issues that extended the trial over several months and increased costs substantially.

Initially, Poyner’s trial was scheduled to commence in May at Dorchester Crown Court. However, the case faced immediate complications when the jury had to be discharged early in the proceedings due to a juror expressing concerns about the fairness and the process. During the second trial attempt, after three days of evidence, a juror sent a letter to Judge Roger Jarvis, raising concerns about the jury’s ability to reach a verdict based solely on the evidence presented. The juror described the group as being of varying education levels and personal interests, making the process difficult and uncomfortable for her. She explicitly requested to be released from the case, citing her conscience and values.

Prosecutor Stephen Parish argued that the trial should be abandoned because the jury was not trying the case on the evidence, a position supported by Poyner’s defense attorney, Tim Shorter. The judge, acknowledging the concerns, decided to discharge the jury, leading to a costly and time-consuming process. Juror expenses alone for the second trial amounted to over £1,168, with total costs for the entire case exceeding £2,300, not including prosecution and court staff expenses. The Ministry of Justice refused to disclose the full financial details, citing the time and resources required to compile such information.

Throughout the trial, Poyner’s history of abuse was revealed. He was accused of molesting two boys, aged between seven and eleven, on his allotment in Weymouth during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. The crimes involved indecent acts committed in his shed, with the victims recounting how they were lured into his property under the pretense of looking at magazines. The trial also uncovered that Poyner’s legal process was complicated by jury issues, which contributed to the case’s extended duration and increased costs.

During the trial, the court heard that Poyner had not shown remorse and continued to deny the allegations, maintaining his innocence despite the evidence. The judge, Judge Roger Jarvis, expressed that the victims wanted Poyner to serve time in prison, feeling that he had gotten away with his crimes and that his life had remained unaffected until his arrest. However, guided by legal standards that recommend mercy for those over 80, the judge ultimately sentenced Poyner to a two-year suspended sentence—six months for each count—allowing him to avoid immediate imprisonment. The judge also emphasized that the victims’ suffering warranted a harsh response, but the law’s guidance on mercy influenced the final decision.

Following the sentencing, one of the victims expressed disappointment, describing Poyner as a “very, very selfish man” who refused to admit guilt. The victim stated, “I was hoping that Poyner would get a custodial sentence after he was found guilty of these awful offences on very young children. However, I am sure his life has been very different since he was arrested in 2012, and knowing that his family now realize that he has been living a sordid double life for many decades as a paedophile. I believe that the reason Poyner did not give us any compassion is because he refuses to admit guilt. I also believe that the judge should also not give Poyner any compassion due to the severity of his actions. Poyner has shown us no mercy whatsoever. Unfortunately, he will still not be honest with himself after all this time and even after being found guilty.”

It was also revealed that the lengthy legal process was significantly impacted by juror problems, which caused delays and increased costs. The trial, which initially began in May, was repeatedly halted due to juror discontent and concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. A juror’s letter expressed her discomfort with the process and her desire to be released, citing her personal conscience. The court was forced to discharge the entire jury, leading to additional expenses for jury service, estimated at over £1,168.92. The total costs for the case, including prosecution and court staff, likely exceeded £2,300, with the Ministry of Justice refusing to disclose exact figures.

Legal experts and victim advocates have commented on the complexities of sentencing elderly offenders, emphasizing that while the law allows for mercy, the severity of the crimes and the impact on victims must be carefully considered. Claude Knights, director of Kidscape, highlighted that these cases are particularly distressing because victims often carry their trauma for decades, and justice must aim to provide some closure. She noted that sentencing elderly, ill offenders is a delicate issue but stressed that the pain inflicted on victims cannot be ignored.

Throughout the trial, the court was reminded that verdicts must be based solely on evidence presented in court, with jurors instructed to avoid outside information or social media influence. The case also underscored the challenges faced by the justice system in managing juror conduct and ensuring fair trials, especially in complex and sensitive cases involving historical abuse. The case of Louis Poyner remains a stark reminder of the long-lasting scars of childhood abuse and the ongoing efforts of the legal system to deliver justice, even in the face of procedural hurdles and moral dilemmas.