January 2015

Turnford man jailed for indecent assault on young girl

An elderly man’s past came back to haunt him last week when he was jailed for sex offences against a young girl nearly forty years ago

Edward Pitcher, 74, of Galloway Close in Turnford, was jailed for a year after a jury found him guilty on Friday of four counts of indecent assault.

During the trial the court heard how the man had kissed and fondled the youngster between 1977 and 1979 when he was living in Hoddesdon.

Some of the offences even took place in a local swimming pool when he had rubbed himself against her.

The victim, who had been a schoolgirl at the time, finally spoke to Herts police in August 2013 and told them how she had been so scared “she froze” when offences were taking place.

The defendant was arrested two months later and denied the allegations that had been made by the woman.

He pleaded not guilty to four offences of indecent assault at his trial.

Before being led away from St Albans Crown Court, to begin his sentence the man was told his name will be added to the sex offenders register for the next 10 years.

Judge John Plumstead told the man he would also be made the subject of a sexual offences prevention order.