Michael Joynes, aged 69, from Brockworth near Gloucester, has been sentenced to six years in prison for the repeated sexual abuse of two girls under the age of 13. The sentencing took place this morning (Friday, August 21) at Gloucester Crown Court.
In addition to the prison term, Joynes has been issued with a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining orders that prohibit him from contacting the two victims.
Between 2017 and 2019, Joynes subjected the two girls to repeated sexual abuse. Several years after the offences, the survivors bravely confided in friends before reporting the incidents to the police.
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Following their report, Gloucestershire Police’s Public Protection Unit launched an investigation, with the Crown Prosecution Service authorising eight charges against Joynes for sexual assault of a child under 13, in accordance with section 7(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Joynes pleaded not guilty to all charges, leading to a trial. A jury ultimately found him guilty on six of the counts, not guilty on one, and unable to reach a verdict on another.
Acting Detective Inspector Jennifer Adams expressed gratitude for the victims' bravery, stating: “I would like to thank the victims for their bravery, courage and strength in reporting this to us and providing such clear accounts of what had happened. I know the sentence given today won’t take away the horrific memories they now carry; however, I hope it does allow them to move on from the horrible crimes that Joynes subjected them to.”
Gloucestershire Police emphasise that their officers are specially trained to support children who are victims of crime. They also remind the public that it is never too late to report sexual abuse or assault, regardless of when it occurred.
Individuals wishing to report a sexual assault or rape can contact the police via the non-emergency number 101 or online at the Gloucestershire Police website.
Support is available for adult survivors through the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), and for concerns regarding children, the NSPCC provides advice and assistance.
Links for support organisations:
- NAPAC: https://napac.org.uk/
- NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
- Reporting to Gloucestershire Police: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/