RAYMOND ADSHEAD'S DECADE OF ABUSE IN ELLESMERE PORT AND FLINTSHIRE LEADS TO SIX-YEAR JAIL SENTENCE

In a harrowing case that spanned over ten years, Raymond Adshead, a 66-year-old man formerly residing in Ellesmere Port, has been sentenced to six years in prison for a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse against a young girl. The court also ordered Adshead to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life and prohibited him from working with children, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Adshead faced multiple serious charges, including four counts of indecency with a child, four counts of indecent assault, and two counts of attempted rape. Despite his denial of all allegations, he was convicted after a three-day trial held last month. The trial revealed the disturbing extent of his misconduct, which began when the victim was only four or five years old and continued until she was around nine or ten. The court heard that Adshead’s abuse escalated over time, with additional charges of attempted rape committed when the victim was under 14 years of age.

The sentencing took place at Mold Crown Court, where Judge Phillip Hughes described the nature of Adshead’s offending. He explained that the abuse had persisted over a decade, with the earliest acts of indecency occurring when the victim was very young. The judge detailed how Adshead had manipulated and groomed his victim, gaining her trust and convincing her that the abuse was normal. This grooming process created a 'persistent regime' of sexual misconduct that had a devastating impact on the young girl’s life.

Judge Hughes emphasized the calculated nature of Adshead’s actions, noting that he had cultivated a false sense of security in his victim and had used her confidence to carry out his abuse. The court also heard that Adshead had attempted to evade justice by tarnishing his victim’s character, falsely accusing her of lying and trying to discredit her in court. The judge was unequivocal in condemning Adshead’s behavior, stating, “It was plainly you who was not telling the truth. You must now be punished for what you have done.”

During the proceedings, the defense attorney, Keith Sutton, highlighted Adshead’s previously good character and the personal hardships he was experiencing at the time, including a divorce and health issues. Sutton urged the court to consider these factors, along with testimonials that painted a different picture of Adshead’s character, suggesting that there was another side to him. However, the court’s focus remained on the gravity of the crimes committed and the lasting harm inflicted on the victim.

At the time of sentencing, it was noted that Adshead was now living at Barlow’s Caravan Park in Caerwys, Flintshire, far from his former residence in Ellesmere Port. The case underscores the importance of justice for victims of long-term abuse and the ongoing efforts of the legal system to hold offenders accountable, regardless of their age or background.