EDGAR COLLINS SHIFNAL PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR ABUSE IN SHROPSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Shifnal, Edgar Collins, an 80-year-old man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses, has been sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed against young girls. The offences span over two decades, with Collins preying on vulnerable victims in the late 1990s and more recently in 2017.

Collins, who resides on St Andrew's Close in Shifnal, was found guilty of multiple sexual offenses after a lengthy investigation and trial. His criminal activities first came to light when allegations surfaced regarding his abuse of two girls under the age of 10 during the late 1990s. These incidents involved repeated indecent assaults over a period from 1996 to 1999, causing lasting trauma to the victims. Despite his denials, a jury convicted him earlier this year of seven separate sexual offenses against these young girls.

The case took a further disturbing turn when, in 2017, Collins sexually assaulted another girl, also under the age of 10. This recent offense was linked to the same pattern of predatory behavior that had marked his earlier crimes. The victims' statements, read aloud at Shrewsbury Crown Court, revealed the profound and ongoing impact of Collins' actions. One of the women, now an adult, described feeling haunted by her memories of the abuse, which have adversely affected her personal relationships, including her interactions with men and her own children.

Prosecutor Mr. Benjamin Lawrence highlighted the emotional toll on the victims, emphasizing the long-lasting scars left by Collins' predatory conduct. During sentencing, the court heard that one victim even carried a sense of guilt, believing she was partly responsible because another girl was also abused after her. The court was told that the trauma endured by the victims continues to influence their lives.

In terms of sentencing, Collins received a series of concurrent and consecutive terms. For the four historic charges of indecent assault against one of the girls, he was sentenced to nine years, with additional sentences of four, three, and three years, all to run concurrently, totaling nine years. The two historic offenses against the second girl resulted in sentences of three years and 21 months, which were to run concurrently but consecutively to the other sentences, amounting to a total of 12 years. The most recent offense from 2017, involving sexual assault, carried a sentence of two years, to be served consecutively, bringing the overall term to 14 years.

Furthermore, Collins will be subject to an additional year on licence following his release from prison, ensuring continued supervision and restrictions. The court's decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims, highlighting the ongoing need for justice and protection for vulnerable children in the community of Shifnal and beyond.