“It’s been a long battle to overcome this”

A man has been sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment today (6 July) after he was found guilty of sexually abusing three children in Woking between 2002 and 2011.

Stuart Menzies, 58, of Walton Road in Woking, was charged with eight counts of non-recent sexual abuse against children following an investigation which began in 2018.

During the trial at Guildford Crown Court, three victims detailed how the abuse had impacted their lives.

One victim said: “It’s been a long battle to overcome this and for the longest time I couldn’t envision any future for myself, because I didn’t think I would live past my twenties.

“It’s only within the last few years where my mental health has gotten better that I’ve decided to do something with my life. If I hadn’t experienced any of the things he’d put me through I believe my life would have been much different.”

In another statement read to the court, a second victim spoke about how the abuse she experienced as a child has impacted her relationships as an adult: “I am unable to build relationships, I treat new introductions with great caution, giving the impression I am closed and distant, so it appears I don’t care, when really I feel lonely and without real friendship or support. My past has prevented me from gaining the contact with others. I have been conditioned to keep my emotions and thoughts to myself.”

She continued: “Even though there may be a small ray of light on the horizon to some future point, it’s still hard and difficult to see through the dark clouds of my childhood.”

Detective Constable Sharron Goodchild from the Complex Abuse Unit, who investigated the case, said: “Today’s result is testament to the courage of the three victims who have shown formidable strength throughout this investigation.

“Menzies’ selfish and abhorrent actions have had devastating consequences, but I hope that his imprisonment is a message to all perpetrators of child sexual abuse that we will do everything we can to hold you to account.”

All survivors of rape and sexual assault are encouraged to come forward – whether directly to us, to a support service such as RASASC, or to someone you trust, such as a healthcare professional.

Surrey’s Rape and Sexual Assault Support Centre provides a support service for survivors of recent and non-recent rape and sexual assault. More advice about the support they offer can be found on their website: https://www.rasasc.org/

To report to us, you can report on our website https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/  or call us on 101. Always use 999 if someone is in immediate danger.