Chelmsford: 'Detailed and sensitive' investigation into non-recent sexual abuse

Two victims of non-recent sexual abuse have thanked an Essex Police detective for his “detailed and sensitive” investigation.

This investigation led to the conviction of 61-year-old Michael Toms, who abused two girls more than 40 years ago.

Now an adult, the first victim felt able to come forward and report what had happened to her in 2021.

She disclosed that she had been abused by Toms in the Chelmsford area in the 1980s.

Those disclosures led Detective Sergeant Scott Noonan, at the time working with our Child Abuse Investigation Team, to a second victim.

Once contacted, she also disclosed abuse perpetrated by Toms during a similar time period.

The pair had lived with the trauma for many years before feeling able to talk to our officers.

Toms, of Horsecroft Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, attended a voluntary interview in June 2021.

He declined to answer any of the questions put to him.

Based on the evidence gathered by DS Noonan and his team, Toms was charged with a number of offences.

Convicted

Following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, he was convicted by a jury of one count of rape, six counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child.

He was found not guilty of two counts of indecent assault.

Toms appeared at the same court on Tuesday 30 September, where he was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.

'I wanted justice'

In impact statements read to the court, one victim described how the trauma “came back to hit her like a brick” after her daughter reached a certain age.

She said:

“I was terrified of the same things happening to her and in my own way, become over-protective of her.
“I concentrated on being the best mother I could to my children, but when they grew older, I could no longer ignore what was going on with my struggle.
“This sent me on a path of self-doubt, of dangerous self-destruction… I no longer want an apology from you – it wouldn’t be sincere anyway.
“I want justice for your actions. I am strong, I am important, I am loved and I am worthy.”

The second victim said:

“The emotional impact you have had on my life has been catastrophic.
“I have recurring nightmares of how I was put into threatening situations by the defendant.”

In a joint statement following the sentencing hearing, his victims said:

“The impact of non-recent sexual abuse is devastating and life-long, but now that justice has been served, we can at last start the healing process.
“We would encourage anyone living in the shadows of the trauma of sexual abuse to report it to the police.
“We and our family are deeply grateful to DS Scott Noonan and his team for their detailed, sensitive investigation and Gregory Wedge of counsel for his belief in us.
“We also thank the jury for their careful deliberations; and Judge Loram for her kindness and consideration.”

We have a number of specialist teams dedicated solely to investigating many varieties of sexual offending.

These include our Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) and our Quest Team, which specialises in investigating non-recent child sexual abuse.

DS Noonan said:

“I’d like to recognise and praise the fortitude of the victims in this case throughout a lengthy process, from first disclosure to us right through to a final conviction several years on.
“They’ve been patient, complying with the judicial process in the face of an offender who took no responsibility whatsoever for the immeasurable harm he caused.
“It’s really important victims of sexual abuse recognise that there is no deadline when it comes to reporting what has happened.
“There are a number of very understandable reasons why you might feel you can’t come forward.
“Maybe you’re not ready yet.
“When you are ready, we have specialist teams waiting to listen.
“Even if you don’t want to talk to the police, there are a number of wonderful organisations which operate entirely independently of us.
“Seeking help is the first step and they can offer you the support you need.”

Synergy Essex offers free, confidential help to anyone in Essex affected by rape, sexual abuse, or sexual violence - whether it happened recently or in the past.

It’s made up of three expert services:

• Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse
• Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service
• Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis

You don’t need to report anything to the police to get support. You can contact Synergy Essex directly, or ask someone you trust, like a friend, family member or professional, to refer you.

Support is available for all ages and includes:

• Counselling (in person, online or by phone).
• Emotional and practical help.
• Guidance from Independent Sexual Violence Advisers if you choose to report the crime.

Their First Contact team can talk you through your options and help you get started.

Find out more on the Synergy Essex website.