Mother breaks 31-year-silence to reveal father's friend abused her
Mother-of-one, 37, breaks 31-year-silence to reveal how father’s best friend sexually abused her at family Christmas party when she was only seven
- Leanne Truesdale was six when William George Oliver, now 68, first touched her
- The mother, 37, from Newtownards, Northern Ireland, has waived her anonymity
- Oliver got no jail time after being found guilty of sexually abusing Ms Truesdale
- Instead Oliver was given a three-year suspended sentence in August this year
A mother has revealed how the festive season turned into a nightmare when her father’s best friend sexually abused her at a Christmas party.
Leanne Truesdale, now 37, was seven when William George Oliver, now 68, fondled her while her family danced carols just metres away.
Oliver got no jail time after being found guilty of sexually abusing Ms Truesdale – instead he was given a three-year suspended sentence in August 2019.
Ms Truesdale, from Newtownards, Northern Ireland, has bravely waived her anonymity to reveal Oliver’s 20-month long campaign of abuse against her.
Leanne Truesdale (left, when she was seven, and right, in 2017), now 37, was seven when William George Oliver, now 68, fondled her
In January 1987, Ms Truesdale’s (right) father, Alan Truesdale (left), now 65, a mechanic, introduced Oliver to Leanne, then aged five
Ms Truesdale, a stay-at-home mother, said: ‘George was my dad’s closest friend and he was supposed to protect me.
‘Instead, he abused me and robbed my childhood. I want other survivors to know, please reach out to someone if you haven’t already and find the peace you deserve.’
In January 1987, Ms Truesdale’s father, Alan Truesdale, now 65, a mechanic, introduced Oliver to Leanne, then aged five.
Ms Truesdale, from Newtownards, Northern Ireland, has bravely waived her anonymity to reveal Oliver’s 20-month long campaign of abuse against her
Ms Truesdale said: ‘When I met George, he cuddled me and asked me about my favourite colours and TV shows.
‘From then on, he was always sweet to me and made me feel special. I loved him so much, especially the extra attention he gave me.
‘He visited us few times a week and fixed cars with my dad. Whenever he came around, I used to jump up and down in excitement.’
Months later, in May 1987, when Ms Truesdale was six, Oliver started babysitting her once a week while her parents went to see friends.
Months later, in May 1987, when Ms Truesdale was six (pictured with her grandmother), Oliver started babysitting her once a week while her parents went to see friends
Ms Truesdale said: ‘As soon as they left, Oliver crept towards my bed.’
‘He kept repeating: ”I promise I won’t hurt you”.
‘I didn’t understand what was happening. Afterwards he said if I told anyone, Mum and Dad wouldn’t come home alive. I was terrified.’
The following day, Ms Truesdale did not tell her parents what had happened as she was afraid for their lives.
The following week, Oliver pounced on her again while babysitting.
Ms Truesdale said: ‘This time, I squeezed my eyes shut.
‘After he finished, I stayed up in bed crying all night waiting for Mum and Dad to come home.
‘When they returned hours later, l was so relieved.’
During the next year, the abuse continued.
Then, on Christmas day in 1988, Ms Truesdale’s mother had a Christmas party at their house.
Ms Truesdale said: ‘My family and mum’s friends were singing, dancing and pulling crackers.
‘Suddenly, George appeared and asked me to sit on his lap while he sat on a chair in the middle of the living room. Reluctantly, I did.’
‘While everyone continued to party around us, George fondled me.
‘My mum was just metres away. I wanted to scream for help but instead I froze.
‘Afterwards I escaped to my bedroom in a flood of tears.’
She added: ‘I was just relieved people believed me. Now, I’m trying to move forward with my life and be the best mum to my 10-year-old daughter, Eva’ (pictured together)
One month later, Ms Truesdale’s parents revealed they were getting a divorce.
The following week, Ms Truesdale and her mother moved to a new house one mile away.
After that, Ms Truesdale did not see Oliver again.
Ms Truesdale said: ‘Throughout my teen years the abuse haunted me. During my 20s and 30s, I fell into a deep depression and drank every day.
‘I tried to black out the memories of what George did to me.’
By August 2016, Ms Truesdale had been sober for a year and knew she needed closure.
So she plucked up the courage to report Oliver to the police.
Ms Truesdale said: ‘I no longer spoke to my mum, so I came clean to Dad. He was absolutely heartbroken and felt so guilty. George was arrested and charged with abusing me.’
In August 2019, William Oliver, of Newtownards, pleaded guilty to one count of indecent assault at Newtownards Magistrates Court.
The judge ordered a further two counts of indecent assault on a female and one count of gross indecency with a child were to kept on file.
Oliver was given a three-year suspended sentence.
Ms Truesdale said: ‘Although George didn’t go to prison, I was still so happy. I found out he had cancer so he was already suffering enough.
‘I was just relieved people believed me. Now, I’m trying to move forward with my life and be the best mum to my 10-year-old daughter, Eva.
‘I also have my dad, who has been there for me through everything. Now every Christmas, I try not to think about what that monster did to me.
‘Instead, I smile for my little girl and give her a special day.’
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