A VICTIM of child sex abuse traced the Royal Marine who tormented her 33 years later.
Norman Laven was seen in Royal Navy Association (RNA) photographs wearing his medals by the victim when he was stationed in Hamworthy, Bournemouth Crown Court was told.
Martin Booth, prosecuting, said the 65-year-old resigned after the crimes were reported to the Navy and they informed Dorset Police but said it is a mystery why the then 32-year-old was not charged at the time.
In 2010 his victim made inquiries with the RNA and after seeing the pictures and telling police, Laven was charged.
He admitted indecency with a child between August 1976 and June 1979. Ronald Jaffa, defending, asked judge Samuel Wiggs not to jail Laven as he suffers from multiple sclerosis.
Judge Wiggs imposed a 12-month sentence suspended for two years and Laven, now of Kingsbury, London, must sign on to the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here