PETER DEACON'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN DAVENTRY: RAPE AND SEX ABUSE SENTENCE EXTENDED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Daventry, Peter Deacon, aged 63, has seen his prison sentence significantly extended after he admitted to a heinous rape. The case, which has spanned several years, involves allegations of severe sexual misconduct against a young girl, and the legal proceedings have revealed the extent of Deacon's crimes.

Deacon was initially convicted of sexually abusing a six-year-old girl in Daventry, a crime for which he was sentenced to five years in prison at Northampton Crown Court in December. This sentence was the maximum available at the time for his convictions. The court's verdict was based on a jury's decision, which found him guilty of all but one of the twelve child sex abuse allegations he faced. The jury, however, was unable to reach a verdict on a specific rape charge concerning the same victim, leaving that particular charge unresolved at that stage.

Following the four-day trial, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided to pursue a re-trial for the rape charge. This decision was made after the initial trial, and during the subsequent proceedings at Leicester Crown Court, Deacon pleaded guilty to the rape allegation. The admission of guilt marked a significant development in the case, bringing further justice for the victim and the community.

Judge Peter Morrell, who had previously sentenced Deacon in December, imposed an additional prison term of six and a half years for the rape conviction. Importantly, this new sentence was ordered to run concurrently with his existing five-year sentence, meaning Deacon would serve both sentences simultaneously. The legal framework for sentencing in cases of indecent assault has evolved over time; notably, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 increased the maximum penalty for such offenses from five years to life imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness with which these crimes are now regarded.

During the sentencing, Judge Morrell remarked on the historical context of the law, stating, "I have to sentence you as if I was sentencing you in about 1988 and apply the law which then applied. I would sentence you to 10 years, but I cannot do that because the law prevents me. It is rare indeed for a court to pass the maximum sentence, which I do."

Deacon, who was formerly residing on Sheaf Street in Daventry, was convicted of multiple serious offenses, including rape, seven counts of indecent assault, and four acts of gross indecency. His actions have left a lasting scar on the victim and have prompted widespread concern within the local community.

During the proceedings, Steven Evans, representing Deacon, described his client as a "broken man" whose life had been severely impacted by alcohol abuse. The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the ongoing efforts of the justice system to hold offenders accountable.