We report on another disturbing abuse case to hit the headlines in Somerset
PCSO Lawrence Dunn was recently found guilty of six counts of sexual activity and two counts of attempted sexual activity involving a teenage girl under the age of 16. The jury at Taunton Crown Court delivered their verdict on 4 October 2012. The trial judge has delayed sentencing until medical reports have been prepared.
The officer, who worked in Bridgwater, Somerset, had been subject to the mandatory CRB checks and met his victim during a routine visit to her school. Detective Constable Becky Maddison of Avon and Somerset Constabulary expressed her profound disappointment that Dunn had exploited his position as an officer of the law and issued the following statement:
“The court heard compelling evidence at the trial, which highlighted the gross abuse of his position of trust.”
She continued:
“We are disappointed with the actions of a man who was in a position of trust in our communities. We hope this case sends out a stern message that any inappropriate conduct from officers will be fully investigated.”
The 48 year old police officer resigned in the wake of the allegations made against him but denied he was guilty of sexually abusing a minor between 2006 and February 2011. DC Maddison criticised the fact that Dunn put the schoolgirl through the ordeal of a trial saying:
“Dunn had every opportunity to plead guilty following this investigation but instead he put his victim through the trauma of a trial”.
Once a criminal trial is over there are various legal channels open to victims of sexual abuse which may allow them to claim child abuse compensation for the suffering and trauma they have been through. If you would like to speak to a member of our specialist abuse team on a private and confidential basis, please contact us at [email protected] for free initial advice or call us on our dedicated freephone number, 0333 888 0445. All calls are handled discreetly and in confidence and you do not have to give your name or contact details if you do not wish to do so.