NORMAN ASKOW FROM PEVENSEY ESCAPES PRISON AFTER SEXUAL OFFENCES IN SUSSEX

In a case that has spanned over five years, Norman Askew, an 88-year-old resident of Pevensey, faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving young girls from the East Sussex area. The charges against him included the rape of a girl under the age of 16, as well as multiple counts of indecent assault involving girls under the ages of 13 and 14.

These allegations date back to incidents that occurred decades ago, with one incident in October 1987 involving a girl under 13, and another in March 1977 involving a girl under 14. Despite the gravity of these accusations, Askew maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. However, due to his declining health, he was deemed unfit to stand trial in person, which led to a unique legal process known as a trial of facts.

On Tuesday, November 15, at Lewes Crown Court, the jury reached a verdict after hearing the evidence presented over the course of the trial. The court found that the allegations against Askew were proven, confirming that he had committed the offences as charged. The jury's decision included the conviction of rape and indecent assault, which are among the most serious sexual offences.

Despite the court's findings, His Honour Judge Charles Kemp decided that Askew should receive an absolute discharge. This means that no conviction or sentence was imposed, and as a result, Askew could not be registered as a sex offender under the law. The judge emphasized that the decision was influenced by Askew’s health and the fact that he was unfit to participate in the trial process.

Following the proceedings, Detective Constable Amy Green of Sussex Police expressed her thoughts on the case. She acknowledged the emotional and procedural difficulties involved, highlighting the patience and resilience of the victims and witnesses who endured a lengthy legal process. Green also noted the importance of the case in demonstrating that the justice system can deliver verdicts even when the defendant is unable to actively participate in the trial.

Green further stated that while she was disappointed that no formal conviction or sentence was handed down, she believed it was crucial for the victims’ voices to be heard and for the evidence to be formally recognized. She expressed hope that the verdicts would offer some measure of closure and reassurance to those affected, affirming that their accounts were believed beyond any doubt.

She also commented on the unusual circumstances of the case, where the defendant’s health prevented a traditional trial. Nonetheless, she underscored the importance of pursuing justice in cases involving vulnerable victims, emphasizing the commitment of Sussex Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to uphold the integrity of the criminal justice process, regardless of the challenges involved.

In legal terms, a trial of facts is conducted when a defendant is deemed unable to stand trial due to a disability or health issue. This process aims to establish whether the allegations are true, rather than to determine guilt or innocence. If the court finds the offences proven, it can impose various orders, such as an absolute discharge, supervision, or hospital orders, but it does not result in a criminal conviction or prison sentence. This case exemplifies the complexities and sensitivities involved in handling historic allegations of sexual abuse, especially when the defendant’s health is a factor.