Martine Snowdon prosecutes historic sexual abuse case

April 27, 2018

Martine Snowdon from Exchange Chambers has prosecuted an 81-year-old man who raped and molested two boys.

Alan Wolten “systematically abused” one traumatised victim, raping him at the age of 12, when he was in his 40s.

The OAP also targeted a second boy, aged 15, touching him in the back of a car, while three unsuspecting adults were present.

Wolten, of Bridewell Court, Peel House Lane, Widnes, denied any wrongdoing and claimed his two victims were lying.

But the pensioner was unanimously found guilty by a jury of rape and seven counts of indecent assault after a five-day trial.

The court heard Wolten has Alzheimer’s disease with a “diminished life expectancy” and his elderly wife has terminal cancer.

Jailing him for 14 years, with an extended year on licence, Judge David Aubrey, QC, said: “I do take into account your life expectancy.

“However, it may well be in consequence of the sentence this court passes upon you, and I do have regard to this fact, that you will die in prison.

“But that in the court’s judgement is not a matter for this court, it is a matter for the authorities.”

Martine is a member of the criminal team at Exchange Chambers.