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Abuse victims slam sentence

Sue Carr
28/ 2/2007

VICTIMS of a paedophile who was handed a two-year conditional discharge for his crimes have slammed his sentence as 'a complete waste of time.'

John Frederick Morris, formerly of Haughton Green, Denton denied eight counts of gross indecency against two boys under 14 between 1978-83.

The 46 year old, now of Carriage Drive, Hadfield has a long-term illness and was deemed unfit to attend the five-day trial at Minshull Street Crown Court.

But a jury found him guilty on seven of the eight counts and at his sentencing on Friday. He was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for two years.

His victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: "It's absolutely disgusting, it's the same sentence someone would get for a fight. It was a massive decision to go to the police because we never thought we would be believed.

"We've spent the last 18 months in and out of the police station and court, and now we feel like it's been a complete waste of time."

Morris' victims, who have praised police for their support, now plan to appeal against his sentence. They have also complained to the court as the sentencing - which he attended - was heard earlier than listed and both men missed it.

"We wanted to look at his face and for him to see what he had done" they added.

"We feel as if we got a guilty plea but no result, no justice, and this has pretty much destroyed our lives.

"We haven't got any closure and I don't think we ever will now, we've just got to try and move on."