Paedophile who abused girls jailed for 11 years

A 78-YEAR-OLD MAN has been jailed for abusing three young girls.

Paedophile pensioner Graham Boyle, of Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, told the three young victims that they would not be believed if they told anyone about the abuse.

The girls were between the ages of eight and 12 when the abuse took place.

Boyle, originally from Bridgwater, was jailed for 11 years after he pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual abuse on children under the age of 13.

Prosecuting, Pushpanjali Gohil told the court that Boyle’s victims were between the ages of eight and 12.

“They never felt they were able to tell anyone,” said Ms Gohil.

“It’s had a dramatic impact on children and their families.”

Defending, Stewart John, said his client suffered from a number of health difficulties related to his age and had no relevant previous convictions.

“At nearly 79 years old, a custodial sentence will be harder for him,” he said.

Sentencing, Judge David Evans said he was handing down a sentence for a series of despicable sexual assaults.

“There are a number of aggravating features, including the fact that you did not plead guilty at an earlier opportunity and have shown no remorse,” he said.

“The dignity of what these girls and their families have been through stands in stark contrast to your own behaviour.

“If you had the decency to admit your guilt from the outset, you would have spared them the needless worry they would undoubtedly have suffered in the run-up to a trial.

“But that pales into significance in the face of the shameful abuse you inflicted upon each of those girls.”

The judge handed down a combined sentence of 11 years in prison, with Boyle breathing heavily and clutching the rail of the dock as it was handed down.

As Boyle was led from the dock to the cells, there were outbursts from people in the public gallery.

One of the girls’ mothers told Taunton Crown Court: “She spoke words that no mother should hear from a daughter. She was so worried she wouldn’t be taken seriously.

“He told her that no-one would believe her and everyone would hate her if she told anyone. My baby had her innocence stolen.”

She said: “She found her courage and the bravery to come forward because she was afraid other girls would be next.

“She came forward to protect others.”

A second mother said: “The look of fear on my daughter’s face will stay with me forever. I need to see justice for the mental and physical abuse against my baby girl.”