COLIN OSBOURNE FROM STOKE-ON-TRENT SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEX CRIMES AGAINST TWO GIRLS
| Red Rose Database
Stoke-on-Trent Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community of Stoke-on-Trent, pensioner Colin Osbourne has been sentenced to a decade in prison after admitting to committing serious sexual offenses against two young girls over several decades. The 71-year-old, who currently has no fixed address, chose to surrender himself to authorities in January after being warned that his victims were planning to come forward and report the abuse themselves.
During the court proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, it was revealed that Osbourne had committed acts of sexual violence in two separate incidents, spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s. The first victim, who was a young girl at the time, was subjected to rape and indecent assault by Osbourne. The assault began with inappropriate touching, which then escalated to full sexual intercourse. The victim described feeling a profound sense of dirtiness, guilt, and shame following the abuse. Despite receiving counseling, she continues to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, illustrating the long-lasting psychological scars inflicted by Osbourne's actions.
The second victim was also subjected to indecent assault, with Osbourne touching her inappropriately. Prosecutor Stefan Kolodynski detailed the disturbing nature of the abuse, stating, “He sometimes put his hand over her mouth while he abused her. He would take her to car parks. He would say that if she told anybody he would bury her.” The impact on this victim has been devastating, with her describing her life as being “totally ruined” by Osbourne’s actions.
Osbourne’s defense, represented by Peter McCartney, highlighted that the pensioner had no prior criminal record and had voluntarily turned himself in, offering a full confession to the police. McCartney acknowledged the harm caused, stating, “He recognises that the victims will be forever haunted by what he did to them. He knows he has put a blight on their lives.”
Following his guilty plea to five counts of rape, six counts of indecent assault, and three charges of indecency with a child, Osbourne was sentenced to ten years in prison. Additionally, he has been ordered to register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16.
Judge David Fletcher addressed Osbourne directly, emphasizing the severity of his crimes: “Their lives have been ruined as a direct result of your behaviour.” The case underscores the lasting damage caused by sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims, especially in cases involving historic offenses that come to light many years after the crimes occurred.
During the court proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, it was revealed that Osbourne had committed acts of sexual violence in two separate incidents, spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s. The first victim, who was a young girl at the time, was subjected to rape and indecent assault by Osbourne. The assault began with inappropriate touching, which then escalated to full sexual intercourse. The victim described feeling a profound sense of dirtiness, guilt, and shame following the abuse. Despite receiving counseling, she continues to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, illustrating the long-lasting psychological scars inflicted by Osbourne's actions.
The second victim was also subjected to indecent assault, with Osbourne touching her inappropriately. Prosecutor Stefan Kolodynski detailed the disturbing nature of the abuse, stating, “He sometimes put his hand over her mouth while he abused her. He would take her to car parks. He would say that if she told anybody he would bury her.” The impact on this victim has been devastating, with her describing her life as being “totally ruined” by Osbourne’s actions.
Osbourne’s defense, represented by Peter McCartney, highlighted that the pensioner had no prior criminal record and had voluntarily turned himself in, offering a full confession to the police. McCartney acknowledged the harm caused, stating, “He recognises that the victims will be forever haunted by what he did to them. He knows he has put a blight on their lives.”
Following his guilty plea to five counts of rape, six counts of indecent assault, and three charges of indecency with a child, Osbourne was sentenced to ten years in prison. Additionally, he has been ordered to register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16.
Judge David Fletcher addressed Osbourne directly, emphasizing the severity of his crimes: “Their lives have been ruined as a direct result of your behaviour.” The case underscores the lasting damage caused by sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims, especially in cases involving historic offenses that come to light many years after the crimes occurred.