Paedophile Peter Melville, 60, of Highland Road, Portsmouth, previously identified as Raymond Casson, admitted to violating a sexual harm prevention order after committing offences against two children in Covingham on September 3 of the previous year.
The victims articulated the repercussions of Melville’s unlawful behaviour and received commendation for their courage.
Approximately at 2 PM on the day of the incident, the victims, who were 12 years old at the time, were confronted by Peter Melville, who expressed his sexual attraction towards them before unzipping his trousers and attempting to expose himself.
Swindon Police undertook CCTV and doorbell investigations to ascertain the identity of the perpetrator, previously identified as Raymond Casson, who possesses over ten prior convictions for sexual offences.
Firearms officers apprehended and detained Peter Melville along the M4 in Swindon at 6:30 PM, where he is currently in jail.
In a statement read to the court, one victim, who previously didn’t feel scared at all, said Peter Melville’s actions left her feeling unsafe and afraid to go out by herself.
She said: “He looked like an innocent, normal man when he walked past – I didn’t think he was going to do something like that.
“I was crying and feeling terrified for a while. It was only when the police arrived I started to calm down because I knew they were going to help and he wouldn’t come back.”
Another victim described how she banged and kicked a house door in an attempt to scare off Peter Melville after he approached her.
“I remember him driving past twice. He looked at me weird the second time. I felt confused—I didn’t know why he was looking at me,” she told the court.
Det Con Jack Newton said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the victims for their incredible bravery in recalling this traumatic incident.
“Peter Melville is a repeat offender who changed his name and has persistently targeted children. I am pleased he will spend time behind bars for what he has done.
“If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, please report it to us. We will work with you and support you to bring vile perpetrators such as Peter Melville before the courts.”
To report a crime, call 101, visit https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or attend the nearest police station. In an emergency, always call 999.
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