JOSEPH SALT SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR ABUSING TUNSTALL SCHOOLGIRL AND CAUSING PREGNANCY

In August 2018, a disturbing case emerged from Stoke-on-Trent involving Joseph Salt, a 79-year-old resident of Malton Grove, Tunstall, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of repeated abuse, including indecent assaults and rape, committed over a period of time against a schoolgirl.

Salt’s criminal actions came to light after the victim, who was a minor at the time, endured numerous instances of sexual abuse at his hands. The court heard that Salt engaged in unprotected sexual acts with the girl, which resulted in her becoming pregnant. This traumatic event led her to attempt to take her own life, and she suffered a miscarriage as a consequence of her distress.

Despite the severity of the crimes, the victim was initially too frightened to report the abuse. It was not until September 2014 that she finally made a formal complaint to the police, revealing the extent of the trauma she had endured. The case was brought before Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where Salt faced multiple charges. He denied a series of sexual offenses but was ultimately convicted on two counts of rape, three counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecency with a child after a trial.

During the sentencing hearing, the victim delivered a heartfelt statement, describing how the abuse had completely devastated her life. She expressed her feelings of self-hatred and recounted her suicide attempt, emphasizing the profound emotional scars left by Salt’s actions. The court was also shown evidence of her emotional turmoil, with Judge Paul Glenn noting that she appeared to be in a state of ongoing distress.

Judge Glenn addressed Salt directly, stating, “When the jury convicted you, your past finally caught up with you. The jury found you guilty of two charges of rape. You were also convicted of offences of indecent assault and indecency with a child. The sex was unprotected. I am satisfied she became pregnant. She took an overdose in an attempt to kill herself and procure a miscarriage. It was not until September 2014 that she made a formal complaint to the police.”

He further remarked on the victim’s emotional state, highlighting her vulnerability and the lasting impact of the abuse. Salt showed no remorse during the proceedings, which only added to the severity of his sentence. As a result, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison and was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. Additionally, he was barred from engaging in activities involving children and vulnerable adults.

The case was temporarily kept under wraps until the conclusion of a related trial involving Salt’s brother, Brian Salt, aged 76, of Casewell Road, Sneyd Green. Brian Salt was acquitted of two charges of indecency with a child but was found guilty on three counts of indecent assault on a male. His sentencing was pending a report from a probation officer. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of the crimes committed and the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior.