Eighteen years for pervert who accused victims

Trevor Chapman has been jailed following a three-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

The unemployed 52-year-old was arrested in January last year by detectives investigating a report of abuse in the 1990s.

Days earlier one of the victims, now in his 30s, had told police he had been repeatedly sexually assaulted by Chapman, who he met through a friend when aged about 13. The abuse took place at Chapman's flat in Halesowen, and subsequent inquiries revealed other young boys would go to drink and smoke at premises across Birmingham that were linked to him.

Following the allegation, a major investigation was launched to trace Chapman and other potential victims. Investigating officer Dc Jen Rose said: "This was a challenging and complex case.

"The crimes happened two decades ago so we had to use all of our skills and the force's resources to find the men who used to visit Chapman's homes when they were boys.

"This was particularly difficult as some had moved away from the area. Others had moved on with their lives meaning considerable time and effort had to go into getting the men to open up to us and reveal their secrets."

Dc Rose identified four victims in total, and when the allegations were put to Chapman he claimed that the story was a conspiracy, with the men wanting a share of his partner's recent inheritance.

During the trial the jury heard how Chapman would ply the boys, all aged between 10 and 16 at the time, with alcohol, cigarettes and cash in exchange for sex.

Chapman, of Brook Crescent, Stourbridge, was found guilty of 28 offences. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Dc Rose added: "This has been a heavy burden for the boys Chapman groomed and abused over the years to bear alone.

"Their tormentor's crimes have had a significant impact on their lives, with some being left unable to form meaningful relationships because of the abuse they suffered. I am pleased that after almost two decades they were finally ready to break their silence and tell us what happened to them all those years ago.

"This case demonstrates that it is never too late to report abuse. West Midlands Police will always believe victims and investigate their allegations thoroughly."

To report non-recent abuse call police on 101.