Man Aged 83 Gets 18 Months For Years of Historic Child Sex Abuse

Published on: 11 Jun, 2019
Updated on: 15 Jun, 2019

An 83-year-old man found guilty of child sex offences 40 years ago in Woking and Pirbright was jailed for 18 months at Guildford Crown Court on Tuesday, June 4.

At an earlier hearing, William Bushby, of Monger’s Lane, Lewes, East Sussex, had been convicted of eight counts of indecent assault on a child.

An investigation was launched in 2017 after the victim revealed sexual abuse in the late 1970s and early 1980s, starting when they were eight. Bushby was charged in 2018.

Outside court, the victim said: “I am delighted with the outcome. Although I am slightly disappointed with the relative leniency of the sentence, it is still a significant result and testimony to the hard work of the Surrey Police Sexual Offences Investigation Team.

“I hope my experience has shown that no matter how long ago a crime was committed it is still worth coming forward to report it. Truth and justice will find its way out. You will be believed.”

Temporary Detective Sergeant Guy Hookway, who investigated the offences, said: “William Bushby groomed the victim and completely abused the position of trust he was in to commit sustained sexual abuse on a child for years.

“I have nothing but praise and respect for the victim who had the courage to give evidence against Bushby in court. I hope that the guilty verdict will allow the victim to put this behind them and finally move on with their life.”

Advice from Surrey Police: If you suspect anyone of committing similar offences, please call police immediately on 101 (or always 999 in an emergency).

For further support and advice, contact the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre http://www.rasasc.org/ or the National Association for People Abused in Childhood https://napac.org.uk/