EDWARD CHURCH FROM CROWLAND SENTENCED FOR WICKED RAPE AND SEXUAL OFFENSES IN LINCOLNSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Crowland and the surrounding areas, Edward Church, a 68-year-old man from Alderlands Close in Crowland, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of heinous sexual crimes involving minors. The court heard that Church committed a series of disturbing offenses, including the rape of a 12-year-old girl, which took place approximately ten years ago. The assault occurred in a car, and the case was brought to light after a jury found him guilty following a trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

In addition to the most serious charge, Church was also convicted of seven counts of indecent assault against two other young girls, both under the age of 13 at the time of the incidents. These assaults reportedly occurred during the early 2000s while he was residing in a village situated between Sleaford and Grantham. The court was informed that the victims, now adults, have been deeply affected by the traumatic experiences they endured during their childhood.

Prosecutor Tony Stanford emphasized the vulnerability of the victims, stating, "Two of those victims were very young when this happened to them." Moving impact statements from two of the victims were read aloud in court, revealing the lasting scars left by Church’s actions. One victim disclosed that she continues to suffer from nightmares, while the other expressed ongoing fears of being attacked again and difficulties trusting others, illustrating the profound and enduring psychological damage caused by the defendant.

The court also reviewed Church’s criminal history, which includes a prior conviction from 1970 for indecently assaulting a seven-year-old girl, for which he received a sentence of three years probation. This history underscored the pattern of predatory behavior that the court found deeply troubling.

Judge Andrew Easteal, presiding over the case, did not hesitate to label Church as a “dangerous” individual. In his sentencing remarks, he described the treatment of all victims as both “wicked and depraved.” As a result, Church was sentenced to 17 years in prison. Furthermore, upon his release, he will serve an additional three years on licence, ensuring close supervision of his activities. The court also imposed a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting Church’s future conduct and aiming to protect the community from any potential reoffending.

Judge Easteal’s stern judgment reflects the severity of the crimes committed and the court’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals from individuals like Edward Church, whose actions have left a lasting impact on his victims and the community at large.