A man who waited decades to report the sexual abuse he suffered as a teenager has been praised for his “incredible bravery and strength” after a Jersey care manager was found guilty of historic sexual offences this afternoon.

53-year-old Donna Bentley was convicted by the Royal Court on Friday of two counts of procuring acts of gross indecency and one count of indecent assault following a trial this week.

The offences were committed in the 1990s when the victim was under the age of 16 and therefore unable to legally consent to sexual activity. The Royal Court heard during the trial that the teenage boy had been sleeping when the abuse happened.

The abuse was reported to the States of Jersey Police in 2024, with Bentley subsequently charged in October 2025. 

“Immense courage”

Detective Constable Elianne Jones, who led the investigation, paid tribute to the victim’s determination throughout the case.

“Throughout the duration of this case, the victim has shown incredible bravery and strength and has overcome many barriers to give his evidence before the court,” she said.

“The long-lasting trauma sustained from this abuse has greatly impacted the victim’s life and it has taken immense courage to speak out about what he experienced.

“I am very grateful to the victim for his cooperation and patience during this investigation.

“His willingness to speak out has ensured that the person responsible has now been held accountable for her actions.” 

Officers “remain committed” to investigating abuse

Police said the case demonstrated that sexual abuse can have lifelong consequences and stressed that victims would be listened to, supported and taken seriously regardless of how long ago offences took place.

They encouraged anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, whether recently or many years ago, to come forward, adding that officers “remain committed to investigating allegations of sexual offending, no matter how much time has passed since the offences occurred”. 

After the judgment was handed down this afternoon, Ms Bentley was remanded into custody until a sentencing hearing on 14 August where a sentencing date will be set. Deputy Bailiff Mark Temple was presiding.