Jailed: Wednesbury paedophile rapist, 84, gets 18 years behind bars

Alan Styles, of Yew Tree Lane, was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to 27 offences which included rape, sexual assault, making indecent photographs, sexual activity with a child. and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

Styles sexually abused his victims, who were all aged under 12, over a four-year-period until the spring of 2018.

His offending came to light when one of his victims confided in their mother after a sex education lesson at school.

She subsequently reported the incident to police which led to other victims being discovered.

When police raided his home, they discovered 665 indecent images of children on his devices.

Thirty-three of the images were of the most serious category, which is Category A.

In addition, there were 225 images at category B and 407 at category C.

Styles initially denied the charges but later admitted all charges after he was presented with overwhelming evidence.

Julia McSorley, of the Crown Prosecution Service [CPS], said: "Alan Styles is a dangerous man who committed grave offences against vulnerable children.

Consequences

"Thanks to the bravery of the victims, we were able to build a strong case against Styles, using video evidence and witness testimony and he had no choice but to admit his guilt for these offences without the need for a trial.

"He will now face the consequences of his actions.

"The CPS would like to pay tribute to the incredible courage of these victims in finding the strength to bring their abuser to justice.

"We hope that, despite the undoubtedly long-lasting effects of this abuse, the victims can get some closure knowing he has been imprisoned and can no longer harm other children."

Styles was also given two years extended license alongside his sentence.

DC Hannah Osborne, from the West Midlands Police child abuse investigation team, said: "It is due to the bravery of the victims we were able to ensure Styles has been put behind bars for a long time.

"Their courage, and trust in our officers, helped us build up a strong case and ensure he can’t harm any others."

Survivors of sexual abuse can also speak to the NSPCC 24 hours a day on 0808 800 5000 and more information can be found on their website https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/non-recent-abuse/