ENOCK WINCHURCH SENTENCED IN HALIFAX FOR DECADES-OLD SEX CRIMES
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Halifax, a 92-year-old man named Enoch Winchurch has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses that have left a lasting scar on the lives of two women.The conviction was handed down at Bradford Crown Court in June 2018, where Winchurch was sentenced to a lengthy 14-year prison term for his crimes.
Winchurch, who resides on Albert Avenue in Halifax, vehemently denied the allegations during the trial.
From the dock, he shouted that the accusations were false and insisted he had done nothing wrong.
However, one of his victims, who was seated in the public gallery, boldly responded to his denial, stating, "You ******* well have.
You know you did.
Stop lying." The jury found Winchurch guilty of multiple serious charges, including one count of rape, one count of attempted rape, six counts of indecent assault, and one charge of indecency with a child.
The allegations against him date back over four decades, making this case particularly disturbing due to the prolonged period over which these crimes occurred.
Given Winchurch’s poor health and his difficulty walking with the aid of two elbow crutches, the court acknowledged his physical frailty but emphasized the severity of his crimes.
The court heard that Winchurch had raped one of the victims in his own bed and had also attempted to rape the other victim on a separate occasion, further illustrating the extent of his predatory behavior.
During the sentencing, Recorder Anthony Hawks addressed Winchurch directly, stating, “You continue to deny the offences.
You forced those two women, in highly distressing circumstances, to relive their experiences in a public court.” He went on to describe the profound impact of Winchurch’s actions, saying, “Your behaviour has had a devastating effect on the lives of those two women.
I have read victim personal statements which they have made in this case but I’ve also had the opportunity to see both of them in the witness box.” Recorder Hawks highlighted the long-lasting trauma inflicted upon the victims, noting, “You robbed those women of their childhood, but in a way it goes further than that because your behaviour, to satisfy your own perverted desires, robbed those two women of a normal happy life.
That is the pernicious nature of abusing a child.” Both women, in their victim impact statements, described ongoing suffering, including flashbacks and an inability to forgive Winchurch for the pain he caused.
Their testimonies underscored the enduring scars left by his actions, which have haunted them for decades.
The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the community’s demand for justice in the face of such disturbing allegations.
