74-Year-Old Terrence Whiffin Jailed for Historic Child Sex Abuse
Guilty After Five Decades
Terrence Whiffin, 74, has been found guilty of multiple child sex offences dating back over 50 years. The Bognor Regis resident faced 10 charges including rape and indecent assault, which occurred between 1969 and 1972. The trial began on February 20 at Portsmouth Crown Court, where the jury handed down a unanimous guilty verdict.
16 Years Behind Bars
On March 28, Whiffin was sentenced to 16 years in prison, with a minimum term set at two-thirds of that sentence. Throughout the trial, he denied all allegations, calling them a “total fabrication.”
Victim Finds Courage After Decades of Silence
The victim, aged between eight and 11 when the crimes occurred, came forward in 2018 after attending a safeguarding training session. This eventually empowered her to report the abuse to the police.
Police Pledge Support for Victims
Detective Constable Lee Turner, leading the investigation, praised the collaboration between Sussex Police, the victim, and prosecutors that secured the conviction.
“We take these offences seriously regardless of when they happened,” said DC Turner. “We know victims can be scared to come forward for fear of not being believed. We want to reassure anyone suffering in silence that they will be supported throughout this often long and difficult process.”
