JAILED: 20 years for prolific Walsall sex offender
A prolific sex offender has been jailed for 20 years following a string of offences in the 1980s including rape and sexually abusing a child.
David Edwards was found guilty of 23 offences by a jury on Monday following a six-week trial at Stafford Crown Court.
The crimes committed by the 58-year-old from Oswin Place in Walsall date back more than three decades ago to when he lived in Lichfield.
At a previous hearing in February he admitted one count of possessing extreme pornographic material but as a result of a complex and lengthy investigation by Staffordshire Police's Criminal Investigation Department Edwards was ultimately convicted for 15 counts of indecent assault, one count of rape, two counts of indecency with a child, one count of voyeurism and three counts of taking indecent photographs of children.
Detective Constable Joanne Kirkland said: "We welcome this outcome and hope it brings some form of closure to the victims, who I'd like to commend for their bravery in coming forward to report these offences, and giving evidence in court.
"This result should send a positive message to victims that police, and the Criminal Prosecution System (CPS), take reports of sexual abuse extremely seriously, no matter how long ago the offence happened, and we will always carry out a thorough and sensitive investigation.
"We are determined to bring offenders to justice while ensuring victims are offered continued support. Anyone who has suffered sexual abuse, or who suspects it, is encouraged to report it by calling us on 101."
