A National Lottery winner has been put behind bars for child sex abuse crimes after a cop sting operation. Anthony Dugard, 60, who worked for a charity, scooped a share of £2.2million back in 2009 with his syndicate. He and his missus, parents to two girls, each nabbed a cool £275,000.
But Dugard, from Park Drive in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, was arrested on July 4, 2024, in Swindon, Wiltshire, where he had travelled to meet who he thought was a child with the intention of abusing them. Instead, cops were waiting for him. He owned up to four child sex charges and was remanded into custody.
After looking into his mobile, police became aware of further offences committed against a real child. The girl, just 15 when Dugard abused her, gave evidence that he’d manipulated and taken advantage of her for months. Dugard was charged and pleaded guilty to another five child sexual abuse offences.
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In her personal impact statement, the victim’s mother said: “It makes me so sad that [she] has been through this and I’m so sorry that I couldn’t protect her. The actions of this man have caused me to feel like I have let my daughter down massively and for that I am truly sorry.
“I am so proud of her and the fact that she has taken the big step of voicing her truths and telling the police what happened to her and take comfort in knowing that she can now find peace and start her healing process, knowing that the wrongs will be righted. [She] has made me very proud by speaking out and in knowing that she will have helped many others in doing so.”
(Image: Wiltshire Police / SWNS)
While working as a fire risk assessor, the Grimsby Telegraph reported he spent “a lot of time with full-time fire, ambulance and police personnel”. He then volunteered to help the police and emergency services with Grimsby charity Blue Light Brigade to perform home safety checks. He was also chairman of Park Drive Neighbourhood Watch where he worked with councillors to tackle antisocial behaviour.
DI David Wells from South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) said: “Dugard has caused substantial suffering to the victim and her family and I thank her for speaking up about his predatory behaviour. He poses a significant risk to children and I welcome the sentence handed down to him today.”
Dugard was sentenced to four years in prison at Swindon Crown Court on Friday, November 22. He will also be registered as a sex offender for life and be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years.
Judge JN Townsend, while delivering the sentence, commended the victim: “I pay tribute to the victim in this case to her engagement to the Criminal Justice Process in bringing Mr Dugard to justice.”
(Image: Google)
Dugard’s arrest was part of a proactive police operation led by the Online Investigations Team at the SWROCU. This team collaborates with a national network of officers to tackle online offences, including child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The NSPCC website has clear and extensive advice for parents and carers, children and young people, and professionals to keep safe online. If you have concerns about your own use of the internet or inappropriate thoughts or behaviour about children, or you are worried about how someone you know behaves, contact the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
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