Colin Turner, 69, of Firtree Rise, Chelmsford, received a three-year sentence for historical sexual crimes at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, September 26. A victim of sexual abuse recounted years of enduring the aftermath of his experience on the day his abuser was incarcerated.
An inquiry against Colin Turner commenced in August 2021 following a survivor’s report to Essex Police regarding sexual abuse endured throughout childhood decades prior. Turner perpetrated sexual abuse on the youngster repeatedly over a span of several months.
The investigation was picked up by Essex Police’s Quest Team, which investigates sexual offences where the victim was a child at the time of the offences but is now an adult. Colin Turner was interviewed in January 2022 where denied all allegations and responded with “no comment” to all questions.
After being charged and pleading not guilty, Colin Turner was found guilty of two counts of buggery and one count of indecency with a child on August 28. After the sentence was passed, the victim bravely released the following statement to encourage other survivors to seek support: “I spent years not being able to process what happened to me. The trauma I went through when I was a young child has had an impact on so many things in my life.
“But from the moment I reported to the police, I just felt different. I finally felt understood. I was just a young boy when Colin Turner abused me. In 2021, I finally felt like I was in the right place to report what happened to me. After speaking with my family, I called 101 to report it and instantly felt wrapped with support.
“I didn’t know what to expect but, shortly after reporting, I was contacted by Detective Constable Emily Monk. DC Monk set up a time for me to provide a statement about what happened to me. I spent over three and a half hours in that first interview and it felt like such a relief to finally tell my story and be listened to. When I walked out of that interview, it was as though a five-decade weight had just completely lifted from my shoulders.
“Throughout the investigation, I was kept updated by DC Emily Monk and she set my expectations that this could be a lengthy process. Not once did I ever doubt my decision or want to withdraw and that’s purely down to how hard I saw she was working to gather the evidence needed. I remember when I got that phone call to say that Colin Turner had been charged. It was completely overwhelming but I kept thinking that I’m finally going to be able to tell my story in court.
“From the moment of reporting, I was supported by CARA, the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse in Essex. I met with my Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Jo about once a month and knew I could always contact her if I needed support. In these meetings, Jo would provide emotional support, talk me through the next steps of the court process and often just be there to listen.
“It took a while for me to trust someone new but Jo was patient and always there for me. Reporting what happened to me has turned out to be one of the most positive things I’ve done in my life. I finally feel like I’m in a place where I have no shame and this burden that I’ve been living with has lifted. If I could speak directly to anyone who is a survivor of sexual abuse but maybe hasn’t found the strength to report, I would encourage them to make that step and contact the police.
“Even if you don’t get result you want, you feel a sense of enlightenment by finally being listened to and by seeing officers work so hard to get you justice.”
Investigating officer Detective Constable Emily Monk said: “Colin Turner’s offences had an impact on this survivor’s life but I hope that today’s result allows him to start moving forward. This survivor reported to police when he felt the time was right and that’s what the Quest team is there for.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners such as CARA, to support survivors of sexual abuse through investigations and court processes and ensure that dangerous perpetrators of sexual abuse are held accountable.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.