Abuse survivor urges victims to come forward after Bristol man sentenced over 1980s offences
His report to police more than 40 years on led to a Bristol man being sentenced
A man who was sexually abused as an 11-year-old in Hertfordshire is urging other victims to come forward, after his report to police more than 40 years later led to a Bristol man being sentenced.
The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, reported the abuse to Hertfordshire Constabulary in December 2024.
He had spent years struggling with anxiety, depression and nightmares.
The sentencing
The offences took place on three occasions in the St Albans district between 1981 and 1982.
Gary England, 74, of Bristol, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14.
He was sentenced to two years and two months' imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, at Luton Crown Court last month.
'You will be believed'
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio News, the victim said he understood why people might be frightened to report abuse, having spent more than 40 years fearing he would not be believed.
He said hearing about other cases in the media eventually encouraged him to speak to police.
He added that he hoped sharing his own experience would help others realise they were not alone.
"I understand the fear that they're going through, whether or not they're going to be believed," he said.
He urged anyone who had experienced similar abuse to report it, even if many years had passed.
"If it's happened to you and who did it, come forward, give the people a name, give the police a name," he said.
He praised officers for their support throughout the investigation.
He said survivors could report offences in their own time without feeling under pressure.
The man also stressed that victims did not have to share their experiences publicly or tell their entire family if they were not comfortable doing so.
"You will be believed, you will be understood and you will be looked after," he said. "The help is there. Just reach out and grab it with both hands."
He said reporting the abuse and receiving specialist counselling had made a significant difference to his life.
After taking antidepressants for around 15 to 20 years, he had recently stopped taking the medication with support.
"This is what it feels like to be happy," he said.
Support for victims of sexual offences
Hertfordshire Constabulary says specialist officers are available to provide advice and support throughout an investigation.
Anyone wishing to report abuse can visit herts.police.uk/report or call 101.
The Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre also offers practical and emotional support on 0330 223 0099 or at hertssarc.org.