Chelmsford man jailed for historic child sex abuse
The 69 year-old carried out the offences in the 1970s
Last updated 27th Sep 2024
A survivor, who was sexually abused in the 1970s, has shared his experiences to support others, as his perpetrator is jailed.
Colin Turner, 69 of Firtree Rise, Chelmsford appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday (26 September), where he wasjailed for three years, for non-recent sexual offences.
An investigation into Turner began in August 2021, after a survivor contacted Essex Police to say he was sexually abused in the 1970s when he was a child.
The offences took place on multiple occasions over several months, when Colin Turner would sexually abuse the young boy.
After reporting to police, the investigation was picked up by Essex Police’s Quest Team, who investigate sexual offences where the victim was a child at the time of the offences but is now an adult.
Colin Turner was interviewed in January 2022 and denied all allegations and answered no comment to all questions.
After being charged and pleading not guilty, Turner was found guilty of two counts of buggery and one counts of indecency with a child on Wednesday, 28 August.
He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today (26 September) where he was sentenced to three years in prison.
Survivor tells his story
After the sentencing, the victim bravely released this statement, to encourage other survivors to seek support:
“I spent years not being able to process what happened to me. The trauma I went through when I was a young child has had an impact on so many things in my life. But from the moment I reported to the police, I just felt different. I finally felt understood.
“I was just a young boy when Colin Turner abused me. In 2021, I finally felt like I was in the right place to report what happened to me. After speaking with my family, I called 101 to report it and instantly felt wrapped with support.
“I didn’t know what to expect but shortly after reporting, I was contacted by Detective Constable Emily Monk. DC Monk set up a time for me to provide a statement about what happened to me. I spent over three and a half hours in that first interview and it felt like such a relief to finally tell my story and be listened to. When I walked out of that interview, it was as though a five decade weight had just completely lifted from my shoulders.
“Throughout the investigation, I was kept updated by DC Emily Monk and she set my expectations that this could be a lengthy process. Not once did I ever doubt my decision or want to withdraw and that’s purely down to how hard I saw she was working to gather the evidence needed.
“I remember when I got that phone call to say that Colin Turner had been charged. It was completely overwhelming but I kept thinking that I’m finally going to be able to tell my story in court.
“From the moment of reporting, I was supported by CARA, the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse in Essex. I met with my Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Jo about once a month and knew I could always contact her if I needed support. In these meetings, Jo would provide emotional support, talk me through the next steps of the court process and often just be there to listen. It took a while for me to trust someone new but Jo was patient and always there for me.
“Reporting what happened to me has turned out to be one of the most positive things I’ve done in my life. I finally feel like I’m in a place where I have no shame and this burden that I’ve been living with has lifted.
“If I could speak directly to anyone who is a survivor of sexual abuse but maybe hasn’t found the strength to report, I would encourage them to make that step and contact the police. Even if you don’t get result you want, you feel a sense of enlightenment by finally being listened to and by seeing officers work so hard to get you justice.”
Statement from Detective Constable Emily Monk
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Emily Monk, said: “Colin Turner’s offences had an impact on this survivor’s life but I hope that today’s result allows him to start moving forward.
“This survivor reported to police when he felt the time was right and that’s what the Quest team is there for.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners such as CARA, to support survivors of sexual abuse through investigations and court processes and ensure that dangerous perpetrators of sexual abuse are held accountable.”
Support is available
Support is there for anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex.
Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis). Synergy Essex is independent from the police and provides support for victims and survivors throughout their journey.
Victims and survivors can self-refer, or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and can access specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy. For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service, providing support throughout the criminal justice process.
For more information visit the Synergy Essex website