Locations
Walton Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21
Description
A Surrey sex attacker has been jailed for targeting children over a nine-year period. Stuart Menzies was found guilty of sexually abusing three children in Woking. The 58-year-old was charged with eight counts of non-recent sexual abuse against the children following an investigation from Surrey Police.
The probe into his behaviour began after the offending came to light in 2018. During a trial at Guildford Crown Court, Menzies' victims talked about the impact his crimes had on their lives. One victim said: Its been a long battle to overcome this and for the longest time I couldnt envision any future for myself, because I didnt think I would live past my twenties.
Its only within the last few years where my mental health has gotten better that Ive decided to do something with my life. If I hadnt experienced any of the things hed put me through I believe my life would have been much different.
Another victim added: "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 dont 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.
Even though there may be a small ray of light on the horizon to some future point, its still hard and difficult to see through the dark clouds of my childhood.
Menzies, of Walton Road in Woking, has now been brought to justice. He will serve 23 years behind bars.
Detective Constable Sharron Goodchild, of Surrey Police, said: Todays 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.