Christopher Denning, a predatory sex offender who used his celebrity status to prey on young boys has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.
Denning, 75, pleaded guilty to the 24 offences he committed against boys between 1969 and 1986 at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, August 22. He appeared back in court for sentencing on Friday, October 7.
In victim impact statements read to the court, one man, who was abused from the age of 10-years-old, said “the abuse ruined his life as a boy”, and like so many survivors of sexual abuse, felt alone and vulnerable, something which has shadowed his adult life. He also described the abuse as a “cycle which he wasn’t strong enough to break”, he lost confidence, and didn’t trust anyone. He added that speaking with Surrey Police gave him confidence and allowed him to speak with family members about what happened to him.
A second man, who read his statement in court, praised his family, with whom he recently found the courage to tell, saying how supportive they have been.
The media coverage of non-recent sexual abuse helped some come forward with information, knowing that other people had done the same and suspects had been arrested as a result.
Detective Chief Inspector Jo Hayes, said: “The boys who Denning abused had moved on with their lives and are now adult men with families and careers. Often, they had not spoken to those closest to them about their ordeal as a child and only recently, as part of this investigation have they been able to do so.
“I must commend all the men who have shown immense bravery in coming forward and speaking with police about their experience all those years ago. Denning, who was looked up to and sometimes idolised by many young people, used his status to prey on innocent children which he has now admitted to.
“We can never go back and take away the abuse these men suffered as boys but I hope, in some way, today’s sentence brings some closure for them.”
Detective Chief Inspector Glen Lloyd of the Metropolitan Police Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Chris Denning will now face justice thanks to the bravery of the victims who came forward. The Met police worked with Surrey officers to ensure he was held to account for his actions from decades ago.”
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