Laud Lawrence

A 69-year-old paedophile from Abingdon, Laud Lawrence, has had his life sentence for serious sexual offences against a young girl overturned at the Appeal Court in London. The court, presided over by Lord Justice Rix, Mr Justice Bean, and Judge David Paget, determined that a determinate sentence of 18 years was more appropriate given Lawrence's age.

Lawrence, residing on Wordsworth Road in Abingdon, admitted to four charges of indecency with a child and four charges of indecent assault on a female. He was also convicted of two charges of rape following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court in July of the previous year. The offences involved grooming and abusing the victim starting when she was just eight years old, causing her severe emotional trauma, including two suicide attempts. The victim only came forward after Lawrence was already serving a 10-year prison sentence imposed at Oxford Crown Court in 2006 for a series of sexual offences against five young girls, stating she needed closure for her ongoing problems.

Lord Justice Rix, in delivering the judgment, noted the gravity of the case but concluded that a life sentence was unnecessary due to the appellant's age. He stated: "We have considered this case with great anxiety and have come to the conclusion that there is, because of the age of this appellant, no need for the imposition of a life sentence." The appeal was heard after legal arguments from Lawrence's barrister, highlighting concerns over the original sentencing.

This case underscores the long-term impact of child sexual abuse, with the victim's delayed reporting illustrating the psychological barriers survivors face. The original conviction and sentencing occurred at Bournemouth Crown Court, while the prior offences were handled at Oxford Crown Court. The Appeal Court's decision reduces Lawrence's overall imprisonment but maintains a substantial custodial term for his crimes.