ANTONY BUSFIELD FROM LONGSDON SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR SICKENING SEX CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
| Red Rose Database
Longsdon Rapist
In March 2020, Antony Busfield, an 83-year-old resident of Sutherland Road, Longsdon, was convicted and sentenced to a lengthy term of 17 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys. The court proceedings revealed that Busfield had engaged in a pattern of grooming his victims prior to carrying out the assaults, which included rape and other disturbing acts. The case came to light after one of his terrified victims came forward in December 2017, leading to his arrest at his home in Longsdon. The Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Busfield had pleaded guilty to a total of 19 sexual offenses, highlighting the extent of his predatory behavior.
Details of the case painted a grim picture of a man who exploited his position and trust to commit these sickening acts. The court was informed that Busfield’s crimes spanned a period of years, with his grooming tactics designed to manipulate and control his young victims before executing his depraved acts. The severity of his crimes and the vulnerability of his victims prompted the court to impose a substantial sentence, reflecting the gravity of his offenses.
In July 2021, further tragic news emerged regarding Antony Busfield. It was reported that he had died in Stafford Prison, where he was serving his sentence. His death occurred less than a year after his conviction, at the age of 84. The circumstances of his passing were linked to health issues, including significant heart disease, which he had been known to suffer from. An inquest conducted by South Staffordshire Coroner Andrew Haigh confirmed that Busfield’s death on January 19 was due to natural causes. The inquest also noted that he had become increasingly lonely following the death of his wife, which may have contributed to his mental and physical health decline.
According to the coroner, there was no need for a post-mortem examination, as clinicians were already aware of the health conditions that contributed to his passing. Busfield’s death marked the end of a life marred by criminal acts and personal tragedy, leaving behind a legacy of serious crimes committed against vulnerable children in the Longsdon area and beyond.
Details of the case painted a grim picture of a man who exploited his position and trust to commit these sickening acts. The court was informed that Busfield’s crimes spanned a period of years, with his grooming tactics designed to manipulate and control his young victims before executing his depraved acts. The severity of his crimes and the vulnerability of his victims prompted the court to impose a substantial sentence, reflecting the gravity of his offenses.
In July 2021, further tragic news emerged regarding Antony Busfield. It was reported that he had died in Stafford Prison, where he was serving his sentence. His death occurred less than a year after his conviction, at the age of 84. The circumstances of his passing were linked to health issues, including significant heart disease, which he had been known to suffer from. An inquest conducted by South Staffordshire Coroner Andrew Haigh confirmed that Busfield’s death on January 19 was due to natural causes. The inquest also noted that he had become increasingly lonely following the death of his wife, which may have contributed to his mental and physical health decline.
According to the coroner, there was no need for a post-mortem examination, as clinicians were already aware of the health conditions that contributed to his passing. Busfield’s death marked the end of a life marred by criminal acts and personal tragedy, leaving behind a legacy of serious crimes committed against vulnerable children in the Longsdon area and beyond.