FRANCIS WELLS

CHILD RAPIST WHO SHOWED 'NO REMORSE' AFTER 'BRUTAL AND SYSTEMATIC' ABUSE JAILED

An 81-year-old child rapist has been jailed for 22 years after showing "no remorse" for his "brutal and systematic" abuse committed in Cornwall decades ago.

Francis Wells, of Back Commercial Street, Barnoldswick in Lancashire, appeared at Truro Crown Court on Tuesday having been convicted of two rapes of a child, two indecent assaults and two indecency with a child charges.

The court heard harrowing impact statements from Wells' victims.

One victim said: "I hope it is recognised the life long and far reaching harm his choices have caused and I hope he can never inflict that pain again." His Honour Judge Simon Carr described the effect on victims as "devastating", noting: "It has influenced every aspect of their lives and the courage it has taken for them to come forward is noted." The judge emphasised that Wells has "shown no remorse" and has "no insight" into the harm he has caused.

Judge Carr told Wells: "You have no insight into the harm you've caused and no care for anyone but yourself." Wells, who will turn 82 this month, will likely die in prison and remain on the sex offenders register for life.