OWEN WORRALL CONVICTED OF HORRIFIC ABUSE IN CONGLETON: 12-YEAR SENTENCE FOR DECADES-OLD RAPE AND SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

In a case that has spanned over three decades, pensioner Owen Worrall from Congleton has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The crimes, which took place more than 30 years ago, involved a pattern of grooming, sexual assault, and exploitation that has left a lasting impact on the victim.

According to court proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Worrall, aged 74 at the time of sentencing, engaged in a disturbing campaign of abuse that began when the victim was between the ages of 10 and 13. The court heard that Worrall encouraged the young girl to observe him engaging in sexual acts with his partner, and he also exposed her to pornographic material, further manipulating her into a state of compliance and confusion.

Prosecutor Tariq Shaqoor detailed that Worrall took explicit photographs of the victim, who was dressed in stockings and suspenders at the time. The abuse escalated as Worrall introduced the girl to other men, including a convicted sex offender, with whom she was coerced into sexual acts. The court was told that these acts often occurred in her presence, and she was subjected to indecent assault by multiple individuals.

Mr. Shaqoor emphasized that Worrall's misconduct culminated in him raping the girl against her will, with the prosecutor noting that Worrall did not use any form of contraception during these assaults. The victim, who was in her early teens at the time, only felt able to come forward and report the abuse many years later, leading to Worrall's arrest in September 2010. During police interviews, Worrall chose to answer questions with silence, answering 'no comment' to all inquiries.

Worrall, who resides on Heath Road in Congleton, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including indecency with a child, indecent assault, and two specimen charges of rape. His legal representative, Trevor Meegan, argued that Worrall’s guilty plea was motivated by a desire to spare the victim the trauma of testifying in court. Mr. Meegan also pointed out that Worrall has no prior criminal record and suggested that he faces a bleak future, possibly dying in prison.

Judge Robert Trevor-Jones acknowledged Worrall’s guilty plea but condemned his actions as persistent and deeply damaging. The judge described the abuse as grooming and corrupting the young girl, using her as an object for his gratification. He also condemned Worrall for taking her to the homes of other men, where she was subjected to further sexual assault after being dressed provocatively. The judge highlighted the long-lasting trauma inflicted upon the victim, noting that she had suppressed her memories for many years.

The court sentenced Worrall to 12 years in prison, with the possibility of release after serving half of the sentence. Upon release, he will be subject to a life-long registration on the sex offenders’ register and will be formally disqualified from working with children. The case underscores the devastating impact of long-term sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims who come forward after many years.