MARTYN SPENCE FROM WHITLEY BAY SENTENCED FOR SEX ABUSE IN OXFORDSHIRE

In a harrowing case that has left a lasting impact on the victim, Martyn Spence, a man from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl in Oxfordshire. The case unfolded at Oxford Crown Court, where the victim, now an adult with children of her own, bravely returned to recount the profound and lasting effects of the abuse she endured during her childhood.

During the proceedings, the woman delivered a powerful victim impact statement from the witness box, choosing to remain anonymous for legal reasons. She described how the abuse, which began when she was around five or six years old, had permeated her entire life, especially affecting her ability to form healthy romantic relationships. Her voice trembled as she expressed her deep mistrust of men, stating, “I genuinely think that men just want one thing and that they only care about sex.” She further revealed her ongoing struggles with trust, particularly concerning her two daughters, saying, “I have no trust in men in relation to my two daughters.” The woman also shared her constant anxiety, explaining that she could ‘never feel relaxed’ and was plagued by a persistent need to check on her children’s safety.

The abuse inflicted by Spence spanned approximately two years during his twenties. The court heard that what initially appeared as ‘inappropriate kissing,’ as described by Judge Nigel Daly, escalated into more severe sexual assaults. Spence coerced the young girl into performing sexual acts on him and molested her in her own bedroom. The assaults took place in a south Oxfordshire village and other locations across England, illustrating a pattern of predatory behavior.

Judge Daly addressed Spence directly during sentencing, emphasizing the severity of his actions. He referenced the victim’s own words, noting that she described her experience as ‘starting to seem normal,’ which underscores the disturbing normalization of such abuse at a young age. Spence, now aged 47, was convicted earlier this year by a jury at Oxford Crown Court of indecent assault and gross indecency with a girl under 14. Despite the verdict, Spence maintained his innocence during the sentencing hearing.

It was explained that the charges were brought under an outdated law, which at the time limited the maximum sentence to two years for gross indecency and ten years for indecent assault. Had the offenses been committed under current legislation, the sentences could have been significantly harsher, potentially amounting to life imprisonment. Judge Daly clarified that his hands were legally constrained by the maximum penalties available under the old law. Nonetheless, he imposed the maximum sentences permissible, ordering Spence to serve two years for gross indecency and ten years for indecent assault, to be served consecutively, resulting in a total of 12 years in prison.

Furthermore, Spence is required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole. He will also be subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having contact with girls under the age of 16. Additionally, he will remain on the sex offender’s register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions aimed at protecting the public from further harm.