Man sentenced to more than three years prison for sex assault

A man has been jailed for more than three years after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a girl in Swindon back in 2011.

John Dunne, 54, of Westwood Road, Southampton, was found guilty following a trial at Swindon Crown Court last week and given a three year and three month prison sentence.

Dunne was living in Swindon at the time of the offence and sexually assaulted the girl while she was staying with a family member. The victim recalled being very upset the following day.  

The victim was approximately aged nine at the time. 

During the investigation, Dunne's computer was seized and this was found to have a number of indecent images of children with some falling in to the most serious category. He pleaded guilty to making and possessing these images.

PC Jon Harwood said: “Firstly, I would like to praise the victim in this case who has lived with what Dunne has done to her for many years. I am really pleased that she found the courage to report the incident to police so we could fully investigate and put this man before the courts.

“This case shows that we will always investigate abuse of this nature regardless of how much time has passed since it happened. 

“Dunne has shown no remorse for his actions and by pleading not guilty he forced his victim to have to relive her ordeal once again in a court room. I am pleased he has been given a custodial sentence.

“I’d urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, regardless of how long ago it happened, to always report their concerns to police – you will be listened to and we will do all that we can to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”