Glyn Robert Phelps

A 60-year-old man from Yeovil has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of child sex offences committed in the 1980s in the Weymouth and Portland area of Dorset.

Glyn Robert Phelps, residing on Preston Road in Yeovil, was found guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court of ten charges of indecent assault on a girl under 14 and five offences of gross indecency with a girl under 14. The offences involved the sexual abuse of two young girls, subjecting them to horrific experiences at a vulnerable age. The case came to light when the first victim bravely reported the incidents to the police in July 2020. During the subsequent investigation by the Child Abuse Investigation Team, an allegation from a second victim was uncovered, providing further evidence against Phelps.

The court heard details of the abuse, which dated back to the 1980s, highlighting the long-term impact on the victims who demonstrated immense courage in coming forward decades later. Detective Constable George Boast, leading the investigation, commended the victims' strength: 'For these victims to come forward and report these offences to police has taken immense bravery on their part and they have also shown strength and courage to support the subsequent investigation and court process.' He further emphasised the pursuit of justice: 'Glyn Phelps subjected two girls to horrific abuse at a young age and we have now been able to seek justice for these victims and hold him to account for his offending behaviour.'

The sentencing at Bournemouth Crown Court marks a significant outcome in addressing historical sexual abuse cases, underscoring the commitment of Dorset Police to support victims regardless of the time elapsed since the incidents. The case was reported by Faye Tryhorn and published on 23rd November 2023 via Greatest Hits Radio's Dorset news section.