TONY APPS BRADFORD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC CHILD ABUSE IN HERNE
In December 2018, a man named Tony Apps was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for historic child sex abuse offenses that took place in Herne.The case, which drew significant attention, culminated in a conviction that highlighted the severe impact of his actions on his victims.
Tony Apps, aged 52 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a young boy.
The abuse spanned several years, during which Apps subjected his victim to humiliating and traumatic experiences.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Apps was convicted by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court on four counts of sexual abuse.
Following the verdict, a judge sentenced Apps to an immediate eight-year prison term.
Additionally, upon release, he will serve a further two years on license, making his total extended sentence ten years.
It was noted that Apps, who had previously resided in Herne, had since relocated to Bradford.
The court also emphasized that he would be subject to strict supervision during his license period.
The victim, who was present in court for the sentencing, provided a poignant account of how the abuse had devastated his life.
He recounted a particularly harrowing moment when he had traveled to Reculver with the intent to end his life, only to be saved by a friend who intervened.
The victim also expressed his frustration and anger upon hearing about other cases of child abuse in the news, which compounded his struggle to come forward and report his own experiences to the police.
It was revealed that Apps had a long history of sexual offenses.
His first conviction for sexual abuse was in 1983, involving a boy.
Over the years, he was also sentenced for five sexual assault charges involving girls.
Despite these past convictions, the court heard that Apps had violated restrictions imposed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, breaching the conditions set to prevent further offenses.
Prosecutor John Traversi highlighted that Apps' health was declining, but he continued to deny any wrongdoing.
The judge, James O’Mahony, addressed Apps directly during sentencing, stating, “You were convicted by a jury of serious sexual abuse of a male child.
The effect upon your victim in this case is appalling.
There is evidence of violence used against him and there are also your previous convictions.” Due to the laws governing sentencing for historic crimes, the judge explained that he was limited in the length of the prison term he could impose, as the offenses occurred more than 25 years prior.
He emphasized the gravity of the case, describing the abuse as involving humiliation and violence, and condemned Apps for attempting to ruin the young victim’s life.
The judge concluded by condemning Apps’ actions, stating, “You did all you could to ruin that child, that young man’s life.”
