WILLIAM THORNE OF HEREFORD ON SEX OFFENDER REGISTER AFTER UNINVITED CHILDREN INCIDENT

In January 2002, William Thorne of Hereford was placed on the list of sex offenders after a court hearing at Worcester Crown Court. Thorne, aged 63, had sexually assaulted a 10-year-old boy by inviting him to his home to watch films. During a play fight, Thorne pulled down the boy's trousers and touched his private parts, describing the incident as a 'spur of the moment' touch.

Judge Andrew Geddes decided not to send Thorne to prison, citing his previous good character and the spontaneous nature of the act. Instead, he sentenced Thorne to a three-year community rehabilitation order, which requires him to participate in a sex offender treatment programme. Additionally, Thorne was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years.

Prosecutor Gareth Walters explained that the victim, along with three other boys aged 10, 12, and 13, had been playing on the grass at The Oval in Hereford when Thorne approached them as he was walking home from nearby shops. Thorne invited the children to his home and engaged in a playful fight, tickling them before the incident occurred. After the brief incident, Thorne stood up.

The victim's mother later questioned her son, who described the assault. Thorne, who pleaded guilty to indecent assault, was arrested on September 6 of the previous year. During police interviewed, Thorne claimed he wanted friends and had been playing with the boys on the floor of his home.

Defence solicitor Mark Heywood described Thorne as a lonely, naive, and socially inadequate man who had previously worked as a printer before retiring. He pointed out that although the offence was unpleasant, it did not include coercion, manipulation, or grooming.

Judge Geddes acknowledged the need to protect the public from child offenders but noted that Thorne's behaviour was a spontaneous lapse that stemmed from his unwise participation in the children's game.