Elderly Dorset Man Jailed for Historic Sexual Assaults on Two Boys

An 86-year-old man from Dorset has been jailed for sexually assaulting two children more than four decades ago.

John Knowles, also known as Malcolm Knowles, of Broadoak, Bridport, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday. He had pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault against two boys, with the offences taking place between the 1970s and 1980s.

During the sentencing hearing, powerful victim personal statements were read before the court, outlining the lifelong impact of Knowles’ actions.

One victim told the court:
“What you [John Knowles] did to me that week was remove from me my right to be a ‘normal’ child, a normal adult, living happily without guilt, doubt and uncertainty. The effects of your actions will last for me my lifetime. A lifetime in which I can and will never forget.

“There will never be a day when your actions don’t live with me, accompanying my thoughts as I go about my day-to-day. It will always live in the back of my mind, at any moment ready to be triggered at unexpected moments.”

The second victim described how Knowles’ abuse had deeply affected his ability to form trust:
“I find it very hard to trust anyone, I am waiting for people to turn. It has been a very long struggle to start to undo this emotional, psychological and physical abuse.”

Alongside his prison sentence, Knowles was handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), restricting his future access to children and vulnerable individuals.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Claire Davey praised the courage of the victims who came forward after decades of silence.

“Knowles abused his position of trust, causing significant suffering for his victims,” she said. “Both victims have shown immense strength and bravery in coming forward and reporting these crimes. I hope that this sentence allows them to begin to rebuild their lives and provides some level of comfort.”