EDWARD ADAMS SENTENCED IN WAKEFIELD FOR RAPE AND SEX OFFENCES AGAINST SCHOOLGIRL

In August 2014, a disturbing case unfolded in Wakefield involving Edward Adams, a 76-year-old man from John Carr Avenue, Horbury. Adams was convicted of a series of heinous sexual crimes committed against a young girl, who was only 12 years old at the time. The court heard that Adams subjected the girl to a brutal campaign of abuse, which left her with lasting psychological scars that are unlikely to ever fully heal.

Following a thorough trial at Leeds Crown Court, a jury found Adams guilty of multiple serious charges. These included two counts of rape of a child under 13, four additional sexual assaults, and two counts of inciting a child under 13 to commit sexual offences. The offences reportedly took place within the Wakefield area during the year 2012. The severity of the crimes and the vulnerability of the victim prompted the court to impose a significant sentence.

Adams was arrested after the victim confided in her mother about the abuse she had endured. Throughout the trial, Adams maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. The young girl was compelled to give evidence in court, recounting the traumatic events she experienced. Judge Geoffrey Marson QC, who presided over the case, sentenced Adams to 11 years in prison. In his remarks, the judge described the nature of the assaults, noting that they began in a secluded wooded area. The judge explained that the girl felt trapped during the attacks because she had no reasonable means of escape or to get back home safely.

Judge Marson emphasized the profound psychological impact these crimes had on the victim, stating, “These offences will have had a profound psychological effect on her and I doubt she will ever be able to put these matters behind her.” The court was informed that the girl continues to suffer from flashbacks and remains distressed by the memories of Adams’s abuse.

During the proceedings, Adams made some limited admissions regarding the sexual offences against the girl, which the court noted with regret. The judge expressed disappointment that Adams did not make these admissions earlier, before the trial commenced. Defense counsel Matthew Harding argued that, given Adams’s age and generally good health, incarceration would be particularly difficult for him, although he did not have any serious health issues. Harding also pointed out that Adams had maintained a previously good character, which was considered during sentencing.

Overall, the case highlights the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims in Wakefield and beyond.