TONY CHANDLER FROM ASH AND LINCOLN SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRLS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Ash and Lincoln, Tony Chandler, aged 46, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against three young girls. The crimes spanned over a period of seven years, from 2004 to 2011, and involved multiple acts of sexual abuse that have left deep scars on the victims.

Chandler, who was formerly residing in Ash and later moved to McInnes Street in Lincoln, appeared before Guildford Crown Court on Monday to face justice. The jury, after a thorough trial that concluded in February, unanimously convicted him on 18 counts, which included three counts of rape, eleven counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, two counts of inciting or causing a child to participate in sexual acts, and one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The victims, all girls aged between 12 and 15 at the time, endured a nightmare that has profoundly affected their lives.

The court was told that Chandler’s arrest was triggered after one of the victims confided in someone she trusted, who then urged her to tell her mother and contact the police. This crucial step led to the investigation that ultimately uncovered the extent of Chandler’s crimes. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Neil Moss expressed his deep concern over the lasting impact of Chandler’s actions. He highlighted that the victims had experienced significant behavioral changes, including suicidal thoughts and self-harm, as a direct result of the abuse.

Judge Moss emphasized the predatory nature of Chandler’s offenses, noting that he primarily targeted the victims when they were around 13 or 14 years old. The court also heard that Chandler’s initial arrest in 2006 was based on a complaint from the first victim, who was still a teenager at the time. However, despite the police investigation, no charges were brought against him then. It was only after the two other victims came forward in 2011 that Chandler was prosecuted and brought to trial.

During the proceedings, jurors listened to a police interview recording in which one of the victims described how Chandler would lock her in a room and assault her on the floor. The court was told that Chandler’s actions had destroyed many years of the victims’ young lives, leaving indelible emotional scars.

Chandler’s defense attorney, Andrew Turton, maintained that his client continued to deny all 18 charges, despite the conviction. Turton pointed out that Chandler had no previous criminal record and a good employment history, suggesting that these factors should be considered when determining his sentence. He acknowledged Chandler’s age and the fact that he faced a substantial prison term, stating that his client was resigned to his fate and urged the court to take his previous record into account.

Ultimately, Chandler was sentenced to a total of 22 years in prison. He will serve 19 years concurrently for the three counts of rape, with an additional three years imposed consecutively for the remaining charges. Upon release, he will be required to register as a sex offender for life and will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which will prohibit any contact with individuals under 16 without explicit consent. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual abuse and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children.