ANTHONY BLAKEWAY FROM THRUPP SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRLS IN STROUD

In a case that has shocked the local community of Thrupp and the surrounding areas, Anthony Blakeway, aged 65, has been sentenced to an indefinite period of imprisonment following his conviction for a series of heinous sexual offenses against young girls. The crimes, which spanned over several decades, came to light after one of his victims reported the abuse to the police in May of the previous year, leading to a thorough investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of grooming and molestation.

Blakeway, a resident of Spring Lane in Thrupp, was found guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of rape, seven counts of indecent assault, and three additional charges of sexually assaulting children. The trial revealed that Blakeway had been engaging in these criminal acts since 1962, demonstrating a long history of predatory behavior that persisted until his arrest in 2007.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Mark Horton described Blakeway as a dangerous paedophile who had spent his entire life devising devious and depraved methods to abuse young girls. The judge emphasized the calculated nature of Blakeway’s actions, noting that he had patiently groomed his victims by offering them sweets before initiating his assaults. The judge expressed grave concern about the risk Blakeway posed to the public, stating, “In my opinion, there is a significant risk to the public of your committing further serious offences which will cause serious harm to members of the public.”

As part of his punishment, Blakeway was sentenced to an indefinite term of imprisonment for public protection. The judge also ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. The severity of the sentence reflects the judge’s view of Blakeway’s dangerousness and the need to protect the community from further harm.

Prosecutor Lynne Matthews highlighted that Blakeway’s pattern of sexual offending only came to light after one victim disclosed her assault, which prompted police investigations. These inquiries led to additional allegations from another teenage girl and her boyfriend. The case garnered further attention when local media reports prompted two more women to come forward with their own accounts of abuse, revealing the extent of Blakeway’s predatory behavior.

Following the conviction, one of Blakeway’s victims expressed a mixture of relief and frustration. She stated, “I am just so glad that he is on the sex offenders register at last. We just wanted him to be stopped – to be prevented from abusing any other girls in the future. We are not happy – but we are relieved.”

During the trial, Blakeway’s defense lawyer, Ruth Armstrong, argued that a public protection sentence was unnecessary given his age and health. She pointed out that Blakeway suffers from osteoarthritis, a calcified spine, and angina, and suggested that his poor health, combined with the Sexual Offences Prevention Order, would sufficiently safeguard the public. However, the judge’s decision to impose an indefinite sentence underscores the seriousness of Blakeway’s crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to society.