MICHAEL GANNEY SENTENCED IN WEYMOUTH FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL AT EXETER CROWN COURT
In August 2017, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse came to light involving Michael Ganney, a resident of Weymouth, who was convicted of heinous acts committed against a young girl.The incident, which occurred over a decade prior, has left lasting psychological scars on the victim, who continues to suffer from the trauma inflicted upon her.
Ganney, aged 66, was sentenced to ten years in prison after a jury at Exeter Crown Court found him guilty of two counts of assault by penetration.
He also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of sexual assault.
The judge, Geoffrey Mercer, QC, delivered the sentence and expressed his condemnation of Ganney’s actions, emphasizing the profound harm caused to the young girl under his care.
During the sentencing, the court heard how Ganney exploited his position of trust.
He had befriended the girl’s mother while working on her rented home in the early 2000s.
On one occasion, while the mother was out at bingo, Ganney was asked to look after the girl.
It was during this period that he entered her bedroom and engaged in inappropriate conduct, touching her under her night clothes while simultaneously touching himself with his other hand.
The victim, who was a child at the time, did not disclose the abuse immediately.
It was only when she was approximately 18 years old that she confided in her boyfriend, who encouraged her to tell her mother.
Subsequently, her mother took her to the police to report the incident.
The court was told that Ganney had admitted to placing his hand inside the girl’s underwear on one occasion when he was intoxicated and they were 'larking about.' Ganney denied the other allegations, claiming that he only checked on the girl by peering into her room and never entered or touched her inappropriately.
He insisted that he never sat on her bed or put his hand inside her night clothes, maintaining that his actions were limited to checking on her from outside the room.
The court’s proceedings revealed the extent of the trauma inflicted upon the victim, who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The NSPCC welcomed the ten-year sentence, highlighting the importance of holding offenders accountable and protecting vulnerable children from harm.
The case underscores the devastating impact of abuse and the necessity for vigilance in safeguarding children in all communities, including Weymouth.
