Bertram Way

A 77-year-old man from Park Gate has been sentenced to three years in prison for a series of sexual offences against a young girl, which took place over four years in the 1990s. Bertram Way, described in court as a self-confessed 'dirty old man', admitted to three charges of indecent assault on a girl under 16 and three charges of indecency with the same child. The abuse began when the victim was just seven years old and continued until she was 11, occurring between 1994 and 1999.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard that Way exploited a position of trust to carry out the assaults. Prosecutor Peter Henry detailed how Way offered the girl additional pocket money if she complied with his desires and instructed her to keep the incidents secret. 'She was scared that if she told anybody people would blame her and say it was her fault,' Mr Henry explained, noting that the victim only recently disclosed the abuse to a school friend, prompting the investigation.

The court was told that upon his arrest in February, Way immediately broke down in tears and made full admissions to the police. Mitigating barrister Robert Pawson recounted Way's remorseful statements, including 'My God what am I doing? I should have been castrated or something,' and later, 'I can't explain, I can't explain' and 'I wish I could change it all.' Mr Pawson emphasised that Way was 'thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour'.

Judge David Selwood highlighted the 'very distasteful' nature of the crimes, pointing to elements of planning and grooming. 'There was an element of grooming of (the victim) in that you required her to be quiet and not to speak of what you were doing. That makes the series of offences very serious,' the judge stated. He added, 'I cannot be sure that you have demonstrated a real understanding of the seriousness of what you did.' In addition to the three-year custodial sentence, Way was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

The case, reported by the Daily Echo, underscores the long-term impact of such abuse, with the offences only coming to light decades later due to the victim's fear and shame. Way, residing at Lyndale Road in Park Gate, Hampshire, will serve his sentence following the court's decision at Portsmouth Crown Court.