ERIK GRIFFITHS FROM WEST BROMWICH JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES COMMITTED OVER 60 YEARS

In a case that spans over six decades, a pensioner from West Bromwich has been sentenced to prison following a detailed police investigation into a series of child sexual abuse incidents. Eric Griffiths, aged 84 and residing on Hallam Street in West Bromwich, was found to have sexually assaulted young girls as early as the age of five, with the abuse dating back to 1954.

The disturbing pattern of misconduct began when Griffiths assaulted a nine-year-old girl at his home, subjecting her to sick 'games' while she sat on his lap. Over the years, his offending continued and expanded, with reports indicating that during the mid-to-late 1960s, he repeatedly abused two sisters aged between five and ten. These assaults took place both at his residence and within the vestry of a chapel in West Bromwich where Griffiths was employed as a caretaker.

The abuse did not cease in childhood. In the late 1990s, Griffiths was implicated in the sexual exploitation of an infant schoolgirl living in Stone Cross. He forced her to touch him inappropriately and threatened her with the warning that she would be 'taken away' if she reported the abuse. These acts caused significant trauma to the young girl, who was only a child at the time.

The full extent of Griffiths’ offending only came to light in 2011, when one of his victims, now in her early 50s, confided in a counsellor about her past abuse. This disclosure prompted a police investigation that uncovered a long history of sexual offences. Griffiths was arrested in May 2011. Initially denying any wrongdoing, he later admitted to four counts of indecent assault during proceedings.

Following a thorough investigation, Griffiths was brought before Wolverhampton Crown Court. On January 13, 2014, he was sentenced to four years in prison and was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for the remainder of his life. The case was prosecuted with the support of detailed testimonies from multiple victims, some of whom had been abused decades earlier.

Detective Constable Nadine Harding, from the West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit, commented on the case, emphasizing the complexity and duration of the investigation. She explained that efforts were made to locate other potential victims, including those in Wales and New Zealand, whose testimonies supported a pattern of repeated abuse by Griffiths. Harding highlighted that although these offences were committed many years ago, the police’s detailed inquiries and the weight of evidence led to Griffiths’ eventual admission of guilt.

She also stressed the importance of victims coming forward, regardless of how much time has passed, stating, “It’s never too late for victims to report sex abuse.” Harding warned offenders that police can and will investigate historic crimes at any time, emphasizing that they should not believe they have escaped justice. She reassured the public that specially trained officers are available to support victims throughout the legal process, from initial reporting to court proceedings.

Harding concluded by noting that the trauma inflicted by such abuse can have long-lasting effects on victims’ lives, affecting their relationships and ability to move forward. She praised the victim who finally spoke out, saying her courage helped uncover a pattern of abuse that spanned over 60 years. Griffiths’ imprisonment serves as a reminder that justice can be pursued, no matter how long ago the crimes occurred.