EDWARD MASSEY JAILED FOR SEX OFFENSES IN WIDNES
In August 2004, Edward Massey, a 54-year-old convicted sex offender, was sentenced to nine years in prison for serious sexual assaults on young girls.Massey, formerly residing on Avondale Drive in Widnes, was forced to move to a bail hostel after his home was vandalized in July, as reported at Warrington Crown Court.
The court heard that a jury had already found Massey guilty of eight indecent assaults, three counts of indecency with a child, and one count of rape involving a girl aged nine or ten.
The offenses took place while he was living in Chester and Runcorn, and involved four victims aged between five and 15, occurring up to two decades prior.
A pre-sentence report classified him as a "high risk offender." When appearing in court for sentencing, Massey, who has shoulder-length grey hair and wore a blue tracksuit and glasses, faced several of his victims in the packed gallery.
Defense lawyer John Wyn-Williams stated that Massey continued to deny the charges and had little else to say in his defense.
Judge Merfyn Hughes addressed Massey directly, stating, “The only sentence I can pass upon you is one of custody.
It’s necessary for a variety of reasons.
One, to mark the severity of the offence.
Two, to reflect the public disgust with conduct of this kind.
Three, to serve as a warning to others.
Four, to punish you for what you have done to these young girls.
Five, to protect women from men like you.” The judge also emphasized that although Massey had no prior similar convictions, his actions had profoundly harmed the lives of his victims.
As part of his sentence, Massey will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Outside the court, the victims’ families expressed relief and support, with Massey’s daughter, Sally Anne Roberts, revealing that she was among his victims.
She said, “The big thing is he has to sign the sex offenders register, at least he can’t go into hiding and get anybody else.” She added, “I think everybody is hoping to get on with their own lives now.”
