PETER ABBOTS SENTENCED IN DEVIZES AND WARMINSTER CASE FOR ABUSE OF TWO SISTERS
| Red Rose Database
Warminster Devizes Child Sexual Abuser
In August 2003, a significant breakthrough in the fight against child abuse was marked by the sentencing of Peter Abbots, a man from Devizes, for his heinous crimes committed in Warminster. The conviction followed a lengthy investigation led by dedicated police officers committed to bringing justice to victims of sexual abuse.
Detective Constable Nicky Rodwell, who played a crucial role in the case, expressed her satisfaction at the outcome, describing the imprisonment of Abbots as a career highlight. She was present at Swindon Crown Court on Tuesday when the 53-year-old offender was sentenced to 18 months behind bars for the systematic abuse of two young sisters in Warminster.
The abuse began in September 1981 when the older sister, then just 11 years old, was subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Abbots. This disturbing pattern continued until 1983. Subsequently, the perpetrator turned his attention to her younger sister, who had just celebrated her 11th birthday, and subjected her to similar abuse a year later. The victims, who now reside outside of Wiltshire, came forward last year, prompting police to reopen the case and bring Abbots to justice.
DC Rodwell, a member of the Trowbridge CID, emphasized the importance of the court's decision, stating that the sentence served as a powerful message to other victims that it is never too late to seek justice. She remarked, “I had a lot of corroboration throughout this inquiry which goes to show just because the abuse happened a long time ago it doesn’t mean victims should not come forward. There is no-one else I would rather put behind bars than paedophiles.”
Following the verdict, DC Rodwell contacted one of the victims by phone. She recounted that the young woman was crying as she received the news, expressing a sense of relief after enduring years of trauma. “I think there was massive relief especially after waiting for so long. The court has recognised the damage the abuse has caused them,” she said.
Prosecutor Kerry Barker detailed the profound and lasting impact of Abbots’ actions on the victims. He described how one of the girls continues to suffer from nightmares, panic attacks, and hyperventilation. She struggles with trust issues, paranoia, depression, and has even experienced suicidal thoughts, illustrating the deep scars left by the abuse.
Abbots-Darbyshire’s defense, represented by Sue Evans, revealed that the offender had admitted his misconduct to his family in 1994 and had shown remorse early on by apologizing to his victims. She acknowledged the gravity of his actions, stating, “He cannot explain why he behaved as he did. It was appalling.”
Judge John McNaught, presiding over the case, sentenced Abbots-Darbyshire to 18 months in prison, underscoring society’s strong stance against such heinous crimes. Addressing the court, he said, “As you know, it has had a serious effect on both of these two girls, now young women. The court is bound to mark that by a sentence of imprisonment.”
At the sentencing, Abbots-Darbyshire, who now resides at Caen Hill Gardens in Devizes, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of indecent assault. As he was led away from the dock, he blew a kiss to his wife. The judge also ordered that he be released on license after serving nine months and that he sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of seven years.
Detective Rodwell expressed her desire to see justice served in honor of the late Detective Constable Mike Brown, who initially worked on the case but had to withdraw due to illness. She stated, “I felt like I had to get a result because it was originally his case and he was always so thorough.” The case’s resolution brought a measure of closure to a long and painful ordeal for the victims and the community alike.
Detective Constable Nicky Rodwell, who played a crucial role in the case, expressed her satisfaction at the outcome, describing the imprisonment of Abbots as a career highlight. She was present at Swindon Crown Court on Tuesday when the 53-year-old offender was sentenced to 18 months behind bars for the systematic abuse of two young sisters in Warminster.
The abuse began in September 1981 when the older sister, then just 11 years old, was subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Abbots. This disturbing pattern continued until 1983. Subsequently, the perpetrator turned his attention to her younger sister, who had just celebrated her 11th birthday, and subjected her to similar abuse a year later. The victims, who now reside outside of Wiltshire, came forward last year, prompting police to reopen the case and bring Abbots to justice.
DC Rodwell, a member of the Trowbridge CID, emphasized the importance of the court's decision, stating that the sentence served as a powerful message to other victims that it is never too late to seek justice. She remarked, “I had a lot of corroboration throughout this inquiry which goes to show just because the abuse happened a long time ago it doesn’t mean victims should not come forward. There is no-one else I would rather put behind bars than paedophiles.”
Following the verdict, DC Rodwell contacted one of the victims by phone. She recounted that the young woman was crying as she received the news, expressing a sense of relief after enduring years of trauma. “I think there was massive relief especially after waiting for so long. The court has recognised the damage the abuse has caused them,” she said.
Prosecutor Kerry Barker detailed the profound and lasting impact of Abbots’ actions on the victims. He described how one of the girls continues to suffer from nightmares, panic attacks, and hyperventilation. She struggles with trust issues, paranoia, depression, and has even experienced suicidal thoughts, illustrating the deep scars left by the abuse.
Abbots-Darbyshire’s defense, represented by Sue Evans, revealed that the offender had admitted his misconduct to his family in 1994 and had shown remorse early on by apologizing to his victims. She acknowledged the gravity of his actions, stating, “He cannot explain why he behaved as he did. It was appalling.”
Judge John McNaught, presiding over the case, sentenced Abbots-Darbyshire to 18 months in prison, underscoring society’s strong stance against such heinous crimes. Addressing the court, he said, “As you know, it has had a serious effect on both of these two girls, now young women. The court is bound to mark that by a sentence of imprisonment.”
At the sentencing, Abbots-Darbyshire, who now resides at Caen Hill Gardens in Devizes, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of indecent assault. As he was led away from the dock, he blew a kiss to his wife. The judge also ordered that he be released on license after serving nine months and that he sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of seven years.
Detective Rodwell expressed her desire to see justice served in honor of the late Detective Constable Mike Brown, who initially worked on the case but had to withdraw due to illness. She stated, “I felt like I had to get a result because it was originally his case and he was always so thorough.” The case’s resolution brought a measure of closure to a long and painful ordeal for the victims and the community alike.