TERRENCE TUCKER FROM LISKEARD SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE AND ABUSE

In October 2014, a disturbing case involving Terrence Tucker, a resident of Golitha Rise in Liskeard, culminated in his being sentenced to a lengthy prison term after a series of heinous crimes against a young girl. The case revealed a pattern of systematic abuse that spanned several years, beginning when the victim was just 12 or 13 years old.

According to court proceedings, police investigations uncovered DNA evidence that conclusively proved Tucker was the biological father of the girl’s child, who was born during the period of the abuse. Despite this clear evidence, Tucker attempted to shift blame onto his son, claiming that his son was responsible for the sexual assault. It was revealed that Tucker’s son suffers from severe learning difficulties, which added a layer of complexity to the case and the court’s considerations.

The court heard that Tucker had denied four counts of rape and three counts of sexual activity with a minor, but the jury found him guilty in September. The victim, who was subjected to ongoing abuse, chose to terminate her pregnancy, an act that underscored the emotional trauma inflicted upon her. Judge Simon Carr, presiding over the case, expressed his condemnation of Tucker’s actions, stating, “You were convicted of the systematic abuse of a girl who you groomed and abused from the age of 12 or 13.”

Judge Carr detailed the progression of Tucker’s misconduct, noting that he initially engaged in sexual assaults to test the boundaries and see if he could evade detection. When the girl did not report the abuse, Tucker escalated his actions to rape, which ultimately resulted in her pregnancy at age 16. The judge emphasized the devastating impact on the victim, describing her as “devastated” and indicating that she would carry the emotional scars for the rest of her life. The court also observed that Tucker showed “no remorse at all” during the trial.

During the proceedings, it was highlighted that Tucker’s mental capacity was significantly impaired, as he has very low intelligence and is unable to read or write. His defense attorney, Robert Linford, pointed out that Tucker’s learning disabilities and previous good character should be taken into account, and he warned that the sentence would be particularly difficult for him to endure. The court acknowledged these factors but maintained that the severity of the crimes warranted a substantial custodial sentence.

Earlier in September 2014, Tucker faced another serious charge when he was tried at Truro Crown Court for crimes committed between 2007 and 2012. The jury found him guilty of three counts of sexual activity with a child and four counts of rape. The victim in this case, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, reported the abuse after confiding in her doctor. Her testimony vividly described an incident where Tucker attempted to rape her, kneeling on her and touching her breasts, with other instances of rape also detailed during the trial.

Prosecutor Mary McCarthy urged the jury to consider the victim’s account without preconceived notions, emphasizing that young victims often experience confusion about what is happening to them. She highlighted the inconsistencies in Tucker’s defense, which questioned the reliability of the victim’s testimony, pointing out discrepancies between her initial police statements and her court testimony. Defense attorney Linford challenged the credibility of her evidence, citing biological impossibilities and improbabilities in her account.

Following the guilty verdicts, Judge Carr ordered Tucker to be remanded in custody and scheduled his sentencing for October 17 at Exeter Crown Court. The judge acknowledged Tucker’s health issues, including two medical conditions that could affect his lifespan, and emphasized the gravity of the crimes committed in Liskeard. The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of justice for victims.