A 74-year-old man from Rickmansworth has been jailed for over three-and-a-half years for a non-recent sexual assault on a young girl.
John Trinder, of Chandler’s Cross, Rickmansworth, was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Thursday, Jul 22, 2021, after being found guilty by a majority verdict of one count of sexual assault.
The offences were committed when Trinder was the chairman of local gardening community group in Toddington.
The victim disclosed the assault years later to a member of her family who then informed the police.
Trinder was found guilty of one count of sexual assault by touching, and was sentenced to 44 months imprisonment. He was also placed on sex offenders register for life.
PC Benjamin Robertson from Bedfordshire Police’s Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit, who investigated: “I would like to commend the victim’s courage and determination to disclose this abhorrent crime to us.
“It’s hasn’t been an easy process for her to go through and I am glad Trinder has been sent to prison for what he did to her. He sexually abused her at young age for his own sexual gratification and will now have time to reflect on his actions.
“Hopefully this prison sentence will bring some closure and allow this brave young person to move forward in life.
“We would also like to encourage anyone who has experienced abuse to speak out, no matter how long ago the abuse took place. You will be believed and we will investigate.
“Our force is committed to protect the victims and bring the offenders to justice.”
Victims of rape and sexual assault can receive support and guidance from Bedfordshire Police and partner agencies, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), as well as support through the criminal investigation process.
Reports of sexual assault, even if non-recent, can be made to the police by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
You can also contact Bedfordshire’s Sexual SARC the Emerald Centre, by visiting the Emerald Centre https://www.emeraldcentre.org/ or by emailing admin.emeraldcentre@nhs.net, or alternatively calling 01234 842750.
If you have been affected by crime, Signpost offers free and confidential support to victims in Bedfordshire, whether it has been reported to police or not, and irrespective of where and when the crime occurred.
Contact 0800 0282 887 or visit Signpost for Bedfordshire www.signpostforbedfordshire.com for further information.
