Eight months' jail for OAP who fondled boys

A PENSIONER has been jailed for eight months for indecently assaulting two schoolboys. Magistrate Russell Finch said that George Rault, 70, had exploited the boys, aged 12 and 14, and by pleading not guilty had put them through the ordeal of having to give evidence.

Rault was convicted last month but sentence was adjourned for a social inquiry report.

Advocate Peter Ferbrache's submission, that a suspended sentence and supervision would be in everyone's best interest, failed.

Mr Finch said that the court was aware of the kind of long-term problems that victims could suffer.

He added that the sentence, which could have been a maximum of 12 months' prison, had to reflect the 'proper and legitimate public concern' about such crimes.

The offences were committed between 1 May and 25 September last year at Rault's home - 1, Oberlands Terrace, St Martin's.

The court heard that he had touched the boys' genitals. He was cleared on four further counts.

Advocate Ferbrache asked the court to consider imposing a suspended sentence so that a three-year supervision order could be attached.

He argued that Rault would be less of a danger to the public than he would if he received an immediate custodial sentence and was then released without supervision.

Advocate Ferbrache accepted that the crimes were unacceptable. But, he said, there was no force, it was no more than touching and there were no threats.

Rault was a man of previous good character who had led an ordinary, mundane life, counsel said. Rault was of limited intelligence and was described in one character reference as 'honest and industrious'.

Advocate Ferbrache told the court that Rault would lose his accommodation if he were sent to prison.

He referred to a case involving a former local teacher who received a suspended sentence after indecently assaulting seven boys.

The court had given regard to the fact that it was better that he had some support and that it would lessen the likelihood of him reoffending, said Advocate Ferbrache.

But Mr Finch said that the facts of the cases varied considerably.

He said that the case being referred to involved a 'merciful' sentence and was not a guideline case.