Paedophile Telford rapist locked up for 16 years

James Heywood groomed his victims into having sex.

One of the women, abused more than two decades ago, went to the police when she suspected Heywood, a former landlord of the Kings Head in Hadley, was grooming another girl.

Police said the women had shown astounding bravery. Harrowing victim impact statements were read out in Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday with one of his victims saying she had considered suicide.

Heywood, 69, of Bader Close, Apley, Telford, was found guilty after a trial of three counts of rape, three of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child, two of sexual assault, two of indecency with a child and one of sexual activity with a child under 13.

The court heard they were specimen charges. He denied all charges.

Judge Peter Barrie said Heywood had caused the women profound and lasting unhappiness.

Mr Philip Beardwell, prosecuting, said the first two women were abused when they were 13 and 14 while the abuse of the third began when she was 11.

He read out statements from the three victims – one saying she had suffered physiological and physical effects including an eating disorder, insecurity, nightmares and real problems in forming relationships.

A second self-harmed, had an eating disorder and even contemplated suicide in her teens.

The third had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress with flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and low self-esteem.

“Part of my childhood was taken away,” she said.

Mr Paul Smith, appearing for Heywood, said his client maintained his innocence.

Judge Barrie said Heywood had acted in a predatory way: “Because of the way you groomed and manipulated your victims you took away their capability to make a fair and genuine choice about what happened.

“When one of your victims sensed that you may be doing it again, it is much to her credit that she went to the police.

“There are aspects of each case that are deeply disturbing and the victim impact statements, moving and distressing show the impact of your offending on them. You caused them profound and lasting unhappiness.”

Heywood will serve half of the 16-year sentence in jail.

West Mercia Investigating officer, Detective Constable Cindi Henry said: “The astounding bravery shown by those who suffered at the hands of Heywood has helped put a stop to his prolific and predatory actions.

"We are determined to continue working with a range of partners to safeguard victims and prosecute offenders and I’d like to recognise the brave steps his victims have taken to put him behind bars.”

“Tackling sexual and physical abuse of children and young people will remain a priority for West Mercia Police but protecting children and young people is all of our responsibility.

"It’s vital that we work with the public to identify individuals who prey on vulnerable children and empower young people to speak up.”