MICHAEL FENSOME SENTENCED IN BEDFORDSHIRE FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
A victim of a Bedfordshire paedophile has expressed a sense of 'relief' after speaking out about the abuse he suffered from the age of just 10.He shared that before revealing the trauma to police, he was 'writing off my life.' Michael Fensome, now 78 and residing on Coronation Road in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, began abusing the victim in 2000.
The abuse continued for approximately five years, stopping when the victim was in his mid-teens and attending middle school.
Describing how Fensome would sexually abuse and indecently assault him, often using excuses to get him alone at his home or during outings, the victim said: 'I've had to live for years knowing about it, keeping it a secret, writing off my life.' He also added, 'Since the start of this whole thing with the police, it’s not easier to live with, but it feels like there’s more support there than you could ever imagine.' He recounted that initially he didn't want to have that first conversation with a police officer, but once he did, 'it just felt good.' For him, coming forward and speaking about it after so long has been a relief, and he feels optimistic about being able to move forward with support: 'That helps a lot, and with support, I think I’ll be alright.' In September 2023, Fensom pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault on a male and four counts of sexual activity with a child.
He denied three additional charges of indecent assault and two charges of sexual activity with a child, which were subsequently laid on file.
Fensom has been sentenced to nine years and six months in prison, with an extended 12-month license period, at Luton Crown Court on January 26.
His arrest was first made in February 2018 after the victim gathered the courage to speak to police following a conversation with his partner about the historical abuse.
Initially denying the allegations, an investigation was launched into the claims.
Detective Constable Charlie Sermons of Bedfordshire Police’s Public Protection Unit commented: 'It took a lot of courage for this man to open up and admit what had happened to him as a child.' He explained that Fensom, who was someone the victim trusted, subjected him to repeated sexual abuse over several years.
The victim, fearing he would never be believed, felt unable to disclose the abuse until many years later.
Sermons added: 'I want to thank the victim for finding the courage to open up and come forward, and I would also like to thank his partner for her support.
I know that this sentence won’t bring back those lost years, but I hope seeing Fensom jailed will give him some closure.' He emphasized that it is never too late to report sexual offences, regardless of when they occurred, and assured victims that they will be believed and supported.
Detective Inspector Martin Eaton also highlighted the importance of reporting abuse: 'We know only too well that a victim may carry this burden for many years before they are ready to open up about what has happened.
If you are experiencing, or have ever experienced, sexual abuse, please report it.
Don’t carry this alone.' He reassured that specially trained officers and partner agencies are available to listen, support, and guide victims through investigations and beyond.
