Man jailed for historic child sex offences

A St Albans man who was convicted of a string of historic child sex offences was jailed at court yesterday (Monday 26 June).

Eighty-year-old Anthony Dear, also known as ‘Danny’, was sentenced to 15 years in custody, plus a further three years on licence, having previously been found guilty of 23 counts of rape and sexual assault.

The charges related to one female victim who was repeatedly assaulted by Dear over a four-year period, when she was aged between 11 and 15.

Jailing Dear at St Albans Crown Court, the judge commented: “The impact on the victim can never be underestimated. You took away her childhood. You’re just a perpetrator of sexual violence and a paedophile.”

He also thanked the victim for the great courage she had shown.

Dear was previously jailed for six and half years in January 2022, having been convicted of similar offences against a second girl and the latest sentence will run consecutively.

Detective Sergeant Larissa Nightingale, who led the investigation, said: “I’d like to commend the victim once again for the bravery and resilience she has shown throughout the investigation and trial. I hope this sentence will give her some sense of justice and closure.

“Dear is a danger to children and I am pleased that his time behind bars has been significantly extended.”

She continued: “I hope this case reassures people that we take all reports of sexual assault seriously, no matter how long ago the offence(s) occurred. We have specially trained officers on hand to provide support and guidance and will always do whatever we can to gather the necessary evidence to build the strongest case possible.

“I would encourage any other victims to come forward, if they feel ready to. We will listen.”

If you do not feel comfortable reporting to police straight away, the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) can provide practical and emotional support. The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide medical examinations.

To contact Herts SARC, call the 24/7 helpline on 0808 178 4448, contact them by email or visit the SARC website.

You can report information to police online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.