HEREFORD POSTMAN NORMAN VINSON AND REDHILL MAN DAVID WORTH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Hereford, Norman Vinson, a 56-year-old postal worker residing at Belvoir Court, Belmont, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 16 years after being convicted of multiple heinous crimes involving a young girl. The offences took place within the girl’s own home, where Vinson exploited her trust and innocence without anyone in the household suspecting a thing.

Vinson faced the court to admit to seven counts of raping or sexually assaulting the 10-year-old girl, along with seven additional charges related to possessing indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed the profound emotional toll the abuse had taken on the young victim, who expressed her desire to erase the traumatic memories. She was quoted as saying, “Sometimes I feel like I want to give up on being me and be in my own little world,” highlighting the deep psychological scars left by the ordeal.

Prosecutor James Dunstan recounted that the first incident occurred in 2006 when the girl, then only 10 years old, was attacked in a playroom. She reportedly “freaked out” during the assault but was too frightened to speak out, fearing disbelief from others. Despite her silence, the abuse persisted over time. It was only in June 2007, when her friends confided in teachers about her behaviour, that Vinson was finally arrested.

During the court hearing, it was disclosed that Vinson had a prior conviction for indecently assaulting two girls in 1981, yet he initially denied any wrongdoing when questioned by police. His defense lawyer, Bruce Gray, stated that Vinson was “genuinely ashamed” of his actions and found it difficult to discuss what he had done. Gray argued that Vinson’s failure to admit guilt earlier was partly due to his shame, but emphasized that his silence at the time prevented the girl from having to testify in court. “But nothing I can say can reduce the shockingly serious nature of these offences and he wouldn’t want me to,” Gray added.

Judge Amjad Nawaz addressed the court, emphasizing the serious risk Vinson posed to children. He ordered that Vinson be subject to lifetime checks and noted that he would be eligible for parole after serving eight years. Additionally, Vinson was placed under a sexual offences prevention order that prohibits him from contacting or working with children indefinitely.

In a related case, another man from Hereford, David Worth, of Bailey Brook Road, Redhill, was also sentenced after admitting to a series of child sex offences. Worth, aged 41, appeared before Judge Nawaz at Hereford Crown Court and pleaded guilty to 20 separate charges. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The judge made it clear that upon his release, Worth would be disqualified from working with children and would be required to participate in a sexual offences prevention programme, underscoring the court’s commitment to protecting vulnerable minors from further harm.