HAROLD AND HENRY RUSHTON JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING GIRLS IN WORCESTER

In March 2019, Harold Rushton and his brother Henry Rushton were sentenced to a total of 28 years in prison for heinous sex offences committed against young girls. Harold, aged 71 and residing on Vine Close, Shrewsbury, received a 16-year sentence, while Henry, aged 78 from Chaddesley Corbett near Kidderminster, was sentenced to 12 years. Worcester Crown Court heard that the abuse occurred over nearly a decade, beginning in the late 1980s, with one girl starting at age nine and another at age ten.

The judge described the abuse as “a campaign of rape” carried out by both men, who are now in their seventies. The older brother, Henry Rushton, was told by his own barrister that he is “highly likely” to die behind bars.

Harold Rushton admitted to three counts of indecency with a child, four counts of indecent assault, and one count of rape. The abuse involved two girl victims, with Harold being responsible for assaults on both and Henry abusing one of them. Henry Rushton also admitted to indecency with a child, indecent assault, and rape.

Prosecutor Giles Nelson revealed that Harold Rushton attempted suicide by overdosing in a lay-by after one of his victims contacted police. He described the abuse starting when a girl was around ten years old, involving elements of force and multiple incidents of indecency. One victim described feeling “disgusted” and “scared,” recalling that she “froze” and was crying when Harold raped her. She also reported being sexually abused by Henry Rushton in his lorry, expressing her fear of him.

The same victim recounted feeling “dirty and disgusting” after being with Henry Rushton and said she would wash immediately afterward. She believed Henry was aware of Harold’s abuse at the time.

The second victim was abused by Harold Rushton from the age of nine and was exposed to pornography. Both victims suffered “very significant psychological consequences,” according to Mr. Nelson, but he emphasized that their admissions were “important for both of them.”

Henry Rushton has a prior relevant conviction; he previously served three years for sexual assault on an 11-year-old girl in 2010.

Recorder Timothy Raggatt QC remarked on the profound impact of the offences, stating: “The effect upon these two girls reflected by their victim impact statements, which I have read and considered, must be in one sense be incalculable.” He described the offences as “a persistent course of conduct,” noting that both victims will carry the trauma “for the rest of their natural lives.” The judge characterized the offences as “a campaign of rape,” underscoring the continuous and serious nature of their crimes.

Both men were advised that they would serve half of their sentences in prison, with the remaining half to be served on licence.