Two sisters from Exmouth have waived their automatic right to lifelong anonymity to reveal they were sexually abused by their father, a man who served as a Royal Marine and who they say controlled their childhood through threats and secrecy.
Decades of secrecy, a long road to reporting
Anna‑Marie and her younger sister Juliet describe a childhood in which strict household routines masked abuse. The sisters told DevonLive they were threatened with death if they disclosed what happened and were told nobody would believe them. Such threats, they say, kept them silent for many years.
"I was a broken little girl," Anna‑Marie said. "I was threatened that if I told anyone he would kill me and that no one would believe me anyway."
The siblings say their mother, Margaret, enforced household rules but later gave evidence for the defence when their father was put on trial. The case only reached the criminal justice system after the sisters decided to report the abuse in 2020.
Facing justice after half a century
Prosecutors brought the case many years after the offences are said to have taken place. Reporters were told the events dated back around five decades. The sisters have said that a jury ultimately recognised what they described as the truth of their account.
- Victims: Anna‑Marie and her sister Juliet, from Exmouth.
- Accused: their father, a former Royal Marine (named in court reporting as Peter Sweeney).
- Reporting to police: 2020.
- Public step: sisters waived automatic anonymity to speak publicly about their experiences.
Why they spoke out now
The sisters said they came forward publicly to ensure others understand that justice can still be pursued many years after the offences, and to challenge the shame and disbelief that often surround historic sexual abuse within families. Anna‑Marie, who is now 57, told DevonLive she wanted people to know the justice system can work even if the process takes a long time.
Cases of historic abuse can be complex for victims and investigators alike; emotional barriers, threats and fear of family breakdown frequently delay disclosure. The sisters’ decision to name themselves removes the protective anonymity many survivors are afforded but, they said, it was an important step to help others and to set the public record straight.
| Key moments | When |
|---|---|
| Alleged abuse occurred | Approximately five decades ago |
| Reported to police | 2020 |
| Case reached court and was tried | Reported in 2026 |
The sisters’ account sits alongside a wider picture in which many historic sexual abuse cases are only reported after lengthy intervals. Those delays can be caused by fear, manipulation, and the threat of not being believed, factors the sisters highlighted.
Practical information for survivors
Survivors seeking support are encouraged to contact the police or established victim-support organisations. Local NHS mental‑health services and national helplines can also offer guidance and signposting. Speaking to a solicitor experienced in abuse cases can help survivors understand legal options if they wish to pursue criminal or civil remedies.
The sisters’ decision to speak publicly is a reminder of the long-term effects of abuse and the different paths survivors take towards disclosure and justice. They have said their aim is to help others and to show that, despite the passage of time, it is possible to seek accountability.
