Michael Joynes, aged 69 from Brockworth, Gloucester, has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing two girls under the age of 13. The sentencing took place on Friday, 21 August, at Gloucester Crown Court.
Alongside the prison sentence, Joynes was subject to a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, as well as restraining orders prohibiting any contact with the two victims.
The court heard how the abuse occurred repeatedly between 2017 and 2019. It was only several years later that the survivors bravely confided in friends and subsequently reported the abuse to the police.
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Following the allegations, Gloucestershire Police’s Public Protection Unit launched an investigation. The Crown Prosecution Service charged Joynes with eight counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, under section 7(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Joynes pleaded not guilty to all charges, leading to a trial. The jury found him guilty of six counts of sexual assault, not guilty on one count, and were unable to reach a verdict on another charge.
Acting Detective Inspector Jennifer Adams praised the victims’ bravery: “I want to thank the victims for their courage and strength in reporting these crimes and providing clear accounts. While the sentence today cannot erase the horrific memories they carry, I hope it helps them move forward from the trauma inflicted by Joynes.”
Gloucestershire Police noted that its investigators are specially trained to support children who are victims of crime. They emphasised that it is never too late to report sexual abuse, regardless of how much time has passed. Reports can be made by calling the non-emergency number 101 or online at the Gloucestershire Police website.
Support services for survivors are also available. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) offers assistance to adult survivors of child abuse, while the NSPCC provides advice for those concerned about a child’s welfare.
For more information:
- Gloucestershire Police reporting: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/
- NAPAC: https://napac.org.uk/
- NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/