Victim of Bedfordshire Paedophile Finds Relief After Speaking Out

A victim of sexual abuse by a Bedfordshire paedophile has expressed relief after finding the courage to speak out about the ordeal he endured for years. The victim, who was just 10 years old when the abuse began, shared that he had been "writing off" his life before coming forward to the police.

Michael Fensom, now 78, of Coronation Road in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, began abusing the victim in 2000. The abuse continued for approximately five years, ending in the victim's mid-teens while he was attending middle school.

The victim described how Fensom, using various excuses, isolated him at his home and on trips out, subjecting him to sexual abuse and indecent assault. He stated, "I've had to live for years knowing about it, keeping it a secret, writing off my life. Since the start of this whole thing with the police, it's not easier to live with, but it feels like there's more support there than you could ever imagine."

He added, "I didn't want to have that first conversation with a police officer, but when I did, it just felt good. For me to be able to come out and say it after a long time, that helps a lot, and with support, I think I'll be alright."

In September of this year, Fensom pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault on a male and four counts of sexual activity with a child. He pleaded not guilty to an additional three charges of indecent assault on a male and two counts of sexual activity with a child, which will remain on file. He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Fensom was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday, January 26, to nine years and six months in prison, with an extended 12 months license period. His arrest in February 2018 followed the victim's decision to confide in his partner about the historical abuse, leading him to find the strength to report the crime to the police.

Detective Constable Charlie Sermons, from Bedfordshire Police's Public Protection Unit, who investigated the case, commended the victim's bravery: "It took a lot of courage for this man to open up and admit what had happened to him as a child. Fensom was someone he trusted as a boy, and in return, he subjected him to repeated sexual abuse over several years. His victim, fearing he would never be believed, felt unable to tell anyone what was happening until many years later."

He further expressed his gratitude to the victim and his partner: "I want to thank the victim for finding the courage to open up and come forward, and I would also like to thank his partner for her support. I know that this sentence won't bring back those lost years, but I hope seeing Fensom jailed will give him some closure. It is never too late to report sexual offences, no matter when they happened, and this case shows that you will be believed, and we will do all we can to see an offender brought to justice."

Detective Inspector Martin Eaton emphasized the importance of seeking support: "We know only too well that a victim may carry this burden for many years before they are ready to open up about what has happened. If you are experiencing, or have ever been subjected to, sexual abuse, please report it, don't carry this by yourself. Our specially trained officers, together with a network of partner agencies, are ready to listen, and can support and guide you through an investigation and beyond."