ALLAN SLATER FROM BROMSGROVE SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN WORCESTER

In April 2016, a disturbing case unfolded at Worcester Crown Court involving Allan Slater, a 69-year-old resident of Elm Grove, Bromsgrove. The court heard how Slater engaged in a calculated and malicious campaign of grooming and indecent assault against a vulnerable woman, which ultimately led to his sentencing to three years in prison.

Slater, who had previously been convicted of sex offences on two separate occasions—once at the age of 34 and again in 1987, when he served an 18-month jail term—was found guilty of six charges of indecent assault committed over an 18-month period. The severity of his actions prompted the judge, Nicolas Cartwright, to describe him as a dangerous individual, warranting a significant custodial sentence.

The victim, now aged 29, recounted how her ordeal began and the manner in which Slater manipulated her. The court was told that Slater would invite her to his home, where he would sit between her and her mother on a sofa, creating an environment of intimidation and control. During these visits, he would inappropriately touch her breasts and genital area, all while her mother remained unaware of his actions.

One particularly distressing incident involved the victim spilling a cup of tea on her lap, after which Slater urged her to remove her trousers. He also persuaded her to lie naked on a bed while he played a pornographic film, further exploiting her vulnerability. On another occasion, he stripped himself while showing her adult movies and attempted to encourage her to touch him. The victim refused these advances, and during police interviews, Slater initially denied any inappropriate behaviour.

Prosecutor Kevin Grego highlighted that police investigations were initiated after the victim’s father reported concerns that someone was exploiting her. The court heard that Slater’s actions had a lasting impact, leaving the victim frightened to leave her home and causing significant psychological harm.

Defence solicitor Lee Egan argued that Slater responded to a text invitation to visit the victim’s home and suggested that the harm inflicted was primarily psychological rather than physical. Egan also noted that Slater was currently taking medication for health issues and other problems, and that he had made immediate admissions regarding his conduct.

However, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the case, especially given that the assaults occurred in the presence of the victim’s mother. A report from the probation service classified Slater as a dangerous individual, a finding the judge accepted. To protect the victim, Slater was issued a restraining order preventing him from having any contact with her for a period of seven years.

Overall, the case underscores the gravity of grooming and sexual assault crimes, particularly when they involve vulnerable victims and occur in familial or familiar settings, as exemplified by the disturbing conduct of Allan Slater in Bromsgrove and Worcester.