REUBEN EVANS AND MILINIA EDEN FROM CLEOBURY MORTIMER AND CRAVEN ARMS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Cleobury Mortimer and Craven Arms, a 71-year-old man named Reuben Evans was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a young girl. Evans, who claimed to be the leader of a self-styled religious group called Eternity, manipulated and exploited the victim by asserting that she was “a chosen one,” a court heard during the trial.

Alongside Evans, two other individuals involved in the abuse received significant sentences. Milinia Eden, aged 42, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple charges related to sexual misconduct. Paul Evans, from Craven Arms, was sentenced to two years and four months after pleading guilty to several charges involving sexual activity with a minor.

The court proceedings revealed that Evans and Eden lived in the Cleobury Mortimer area, where the abuse took place. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was subjected to a series of manipulative and coercive acts. Reuben Evans reportedly told her that “the devil would be after her,” a statement that was part of the psychological control he exerted over her.

The case came to light in May 2012 when the victim, having been threatened with death within 24 hours if she failed to comply with the demands, confided in a relative about the abuse. This disclosure prompted the authorities to become involved, leading to police investigations and subsequent court proceedings.

Reuben Evans and Paul Evans both pleaded guilty to their respective charges, acknowledging their involvement in the sexual offenses. Milinia Eden, however, initially denied five allegations of sexual abuse but was ultimately found guilty after a four-day trial. The court’s verdict underscores the severity of the crimes committed and the importance of justice for the victim involved in this harrowing case.