TERRY GOULD FROM WESTBURY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN SWINDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Terry Gould, a resident of Westbury, was convicted of sexually abusing a young girl and subsequently sentenced to a total of three years and eight months in prison. The incident took place during a family visit to the child's home, where Gould was present as a trusted family friend.

According to court reports, Gould was engaging in play with the younger children at the time. The young girl, who was only seven or eight years old, was under his supervision when the abuse occurred. It was only after a school session that involved distributing leaflets about appropriate contact between adults and children that the girl confided in her teachers about the assault. The leaflets served as a catalyst for her to disclose the traumatic experience she had endured at the hands of Gould.

Prosecutor Rob Welling outlined to Swindon Crown Court that the girl revealed Gould’s misconduct after the educational talk. He was described as a close family friend who frequently visited their home, often playing with and supervising the younger children. The court heard that Gould lured the girl upstairs under the pretense of doing some colouring in, which led to the sexual assault. The young girl later recounted to police how Gould had molested her during this private moment.

The court was informed that the trauma from the abuse has left the girl suffering from nightmares and ongoing emotional distress. Gould, who resides at Bridge Court in Westbury, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault of a child and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

Judge Peter Blair QC, presiding over the case, emphasized the gravity of the offences. He stated, “These are very serious offences which properly attract a significant sentence. They were separate offences, committed on two different occasions, and therefore I will be passing one sentence on top of the other.”

The judge highlighted the aggravating circumstances, noting that the abuse occurred within the child's home, a place where Gould was trusted as a family friend. “To abuse that trust and cause such lasting harm is profoundly serious,” he said. “The consequences for her future relationships, her ability to trust men, and her emotional well-being are likely to be long-lasting and difficult.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Gould was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his liberty and requires him to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the crime and the importance of protecting vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.