ANTHONY HAYES FROM TELFORD SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the community of Telford, Anthony Hayes, a 51-year-old man, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years after being convicted of serious charges related to child rape and sexual abuse. The sentencing took place at Worcester Crown Court, where the two victims, now adult women and mothers themselves, watched from the public gallery, visibly distressed but finally witnessing justice being served.

Judge David McEvoy delivered a stern judgment, describing Hayes as having behaved like a 'martinet' towards his young stepdaughters. The judge emphasized that Hayes showed no remorse for his actions, which included controlling the two girls through physical punishment. The sexual abuse reportedly began almost immediately after Hayes moved into the family home in Telford, following his marriage to the girls’ mother, Jane Wagstaff, in 1985. The court heard that Hayes had also carried out inspections, which were part of his role as a teacher, but these duties were overshadowed by the abuse he inflicted.

According to the court, Hayes’s actions made the lives of the two sisters, Emma Bisseker and Kate Baker, a living nightmare. The abuse started when Kate was just five years old, and both sisters later described the trauma they endured. The sisters, who now reside in Stourbridge, chose to waive their right to anonymity to speak out publicly about their ordeal. Outside the court, Kate expressed her feelings, stating, “He got what he deserved.” Emma added, “We have no feelings towards him any more. We’ve gone past the anger and hatred.”

During the trial, Hayes denied all charges, maintaining his innocence despite the evidence presented. The court revealed that Hayes had taken early retirement from his teaching position, receiving a pension after the allegations surfaced in 2004. Hayes’s background included roles as a special constable, postman, teacher, and union official at Woodside Junior School in Telford.

The two sisters recounted that they had to leave their home in Brandsfarm Way, Randlay, Telford, and went to live with their grandparents when they turned 15. The case drew significant media attention, especially when the sisters expressed outrage that Hayes was granted bail and was able to go on holiday after being found guilty. The court’s decision marked a significant moment of justice for the victims, who expressed relief and a sense of closure after the sentencing. Hayes was led away to serve his sentence, leaving behind a community shaken by the revelations of his past actions.