WAYNE TRUTER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR GROOMING AND ABUSE IN HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

On Friday, October 24, 2014, a serious case of child sexual abuse and grooming culminated in the sentencing of Wayne Truter, a 41-year-old IT consultant from Hemel Hempstead. The court heard how Truter had systematically targeted three young boys, engaging in a pattern of grooming that involved lavishing them with gifts and creating an environment conducive to abuse.

Truter’s residence on Kenilworth Close in Hemel Hempstead was near a skate park, a location that played a role in the case as the boys visited his home, falling under his influence. Prosecutor Isabel Delamare detailed how the victims, aged 12, 14, and 15 at the time, were manipulated and sexually abused by Truter over a period spanning from 2009 to 2013. The court was also informed that Truter possessed a disturbing collection of 566 indecent movies involving children, which he kept on a purple laptop. These movies ranged in severity, with 13 classified at the most serious Level 5, 282 at Level 4, 54 at Level 3, 186 at Level 2, and 33 at Level 1.

Judge John Plumstead presided over the case at St Albans Crown Court and sentenced Truter to a total of 15 years in prison. The judge imposed an eight-year custodial sentence with an additional seven-year extension on license, citing the defendant’s dangerousness. This means that upon release, Truter will remain under supervision by probation officers until 2029. The judge emphasized the severity of the offences, describing them as serious and planned, with Truter creating an environment in his home that allowed young children to behave freely, smoke, and play with expensive toys, all while being manipulated and exploited.

Judge Plumstead condemned Truter’s conduct, stating that he had an “obsessive interest in sex with pubescent boys” and labeling him as a “devious, manipulative and dangerous man.” The court also noted that Truter had dismissed his barrister and maintained his innocence, claiming, “I have nothing to show remorse for. It is impossible for me to show remorse for something I have not done.”

The judge further described how Truter’s grooming process was ruthless and cynical, designed to exploit vulnerable children. He highlighted how the victims felt like “rich kids” due to the gifts and liberties they were given in Truter’s home. As part of his sentence, Truter is required to sign the Sex Offender Register for life and is prohibited from ever contacting the children involved.

In closing, Judge Plumstead praised Detective Constable Dani Pruett for her handling of the case and commended the victims’ families for their conduct throughout the proceedings, acknowledging the difficult circumstances they faced during the trial.