Man jailed for abusing child in 1970s

Colin Turner was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court

A man who sexually abused a young boy in the 1970s was jailed.

Colin Turner, 69, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court after he had been found guilty of one count of indecency with a child and two counts of buggery.

Essex Police launched an investigation into Turner in August 2021, after a survivor contacted the force and said he was sexually abused as child.

Turner of Firtree Rise, Chelmsford, had pleaded not guilty to all charges but was convicted and sentenced to three years behind bars.

The offences took place on multiple occasions over several months, Essex Police said.

Turner was interviewed by police in January 2022 and denied all allegations and answered "no comment" to all questions.

Det Con 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."

'Finally felt understood'

Following the sentencing, the victim released a statement and said: "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."

He said he did not know what to expect after contacting police, but after giving a statement it was as if a "five decade weight had just been lifted from my shoulders".

He added that he was updated throughout the investigation and was also supported by an independent advisor from the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse in Essex.

"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," he said.

"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.”