Buckland Paedophile Anthony Plummer Jailed for 30 Years
A vile predator who terrorised young girls for over 30 years has finally been locked up for three decades. Anthony Plummer, 71, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday after being found guilty of sexually abusing four girls between 1978 and 2009.
Decay of Innocence Spanning Decades
Plummer inflicted unspeakable horror, including rape, attempted rape, and indecent assault on victims aged between nine and 17. His appalling attacks stretched through two distinct periods: 1978 to 1984 and 2006 to 2008.
The damage left in his wake was devastating. One victim, who never lived to see justice, tragically died before the trial concluded.
Victims Speak Out Amidst Heartbreaking Courtroom Scenes
During sentencing, Plummer sat in the dock with folded arms, often shaking his head as brave survivors recounted their trauma.
“You had no right to take my innocence. Your actions affected my whole life. As a child, I blamed myself for not stopping you,” one tearful victim told the court.
“Later, I realised you took advantage of a child. The enormity broke me. I thought there was something wrong with me, so I stayed silent. I still have nightmares and think about what you did. It completely ruined my life.”
Judge Calls Plummer a ‘Remorseless Sexual Predator’
Judge David Melville QC slammed Plummer as a dangerous man who had ‘normalised’ his horrific behaviour.
“There is no doubt you are a danger to any young girl,” the judge warned. “The 30-year sentence, including a two-year extension, reflects the gravity and length of your crimes.”
Plummer was convicted on 13 counts, including:
- Rape and attempted rape
- Indecent assault of children under 13
- Assault of a child by penetration
- Causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
Prosecutor Pays Tribute to Victims’ Courage
Tracy Harris, senior Crown prosecutor for CPS Wessex, praised the victims for their bravery.
“Plummer manipulated his victims, keeping them too terrified to speak out. One victim sadly died before justice could be served, but we used her evidence to ensure he was held accountable,” Harris said.
“I hope this sentence gives the victims a measure of comfort after all they’ve endured.”
