MICHAEL PENFORD FROM CARTERTON SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND DISTRIBUTION OF INDECENT IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the community of Carterton, a 44-year-old man named Michael Penford has been handed a severe prison sentence of 12 years following a series of heinous crimes involving a young child. The sentencing took place at Oxford Crown Court, where Penford faced the consequences of his actions after admitting to multiple serious charges.

Penford, who resides on Edgeworth Drive in Carterton, was found guilty of a disturbing pattern of sexual offenses committed against a child under the age of 13. His crimes included three counts of raping the young victim, as well as five additional sexual assaults. These offenses spanned a period from August 2009 to February of the following year, highlighting a prolonged period of abuse.

In addition to the physical assaults, Penford was also charged with and admitted to creating and sharing indecent images of the child. The charges included five counts of making indecent images, one count of taking indecent photographs, and one count of distributing such images online. The evidence against him was uncovered after police executed a search warrant at his residence, which was prompted by the victim’s mother and a school teacher who had become concerned and confided in authorities.

During the investigation, authorities discovered a collection of indecent images and videos depicting the child, which Penford had filmed himself creating. The victim’s mother and a school teacher had initially been made aware of suspicious behavior, leading to the police raid that ultimately uncovered the extent of Penford’s crimes.

Prosecutor Matthew Walsh detailed the gravity of the case, emphasizing the victim’s bravery in confiding in trusted adults before the police intervention. The defense, represented by Lucy Tapper, acknowledged the devastating impact of Penford’s actions, with her client himself recognizing that he had “destroyed his own life.”

Judge Christopher Compston delivered a stark warning about the depravity of the offenses, describing some of the images as “horrific and depraved.” The judge also noted that Penford was “riddled with suicidal thoughts,” reflecting the profound psychological toll of his crimes. The court’s decision to impose a 12-year sentence underscores the severity with which the justice system views such offenses, especially those involving the exploitation of children in Carterton and beyond.