12/03/2013

Artist Ovenden Denies Charges Of Child Sexual Abuse

Acclaimed artist Graham Ovenden, who specialises in images of children has denied allegations of indecency with a child and indecent assault at Truro crown court.

However, opening the case against him, Ramsay Quaife, prosecuting, said Ovenden had abused four of the girls – now adults – who had posed for him.

It is alleged the girls were aged between six and 14 when they were abused at Ovenden's former and current homes in London and Cornwall.

The alleged victims made formal complaints to police in the late 2000s and Ovenden was arrested in 2008.

It is claimed that when arrested, Ovenden, whose work has been hung by the Tate, told police he was a "distinguished" artist who had created some of the best portraits of children in the last 200 years.

The hearing continues.

(H)


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