GEORGE GRIFFITHS FROM SHELTON AND STOKE SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE AND ABUSE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Shelton and Stoke, Geoffrey Griffiths has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 14 years for a series of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The 68-year-old resident of Ridgeway Road, Shelton, was found guilty of multiple counts of child abuse, including indecent assault and rape, after a detailed trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

According to court proceedings, Griffiths subjected his young victim to a brutal and prolonged campaign of violence and sexual abuse. The abuse began with physical assaults, where he used a cane and a hose pipe to beat the girl, inflicting physical pain and terror. Witnesses and evidence presented during the trial revealed that Griffiths also engaged in acts of cruelty such as holding her head underwater and burning her with a cigarette, actions that left deep psychological scars.

The criminal behavior escalated as Griffiths began to sexually abuse the girl, eventually raping her when she reached her teenage years. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, reported the abuse to police in May 2012, sparking the investigation that led to Griffiths's conviction.

Throughout the trial, Griffiths maintained his innocence, denying all charges, which included six counts of indecent assault and one count of rape. However, the jury found him guilty of the charges after careful deliberation. Judge Paul Glenn presided over the case and delivered a stern sentence, condemning Griffiths for his repeated abuse. The judge stated, “You repeatedly abused her for your own sexual gratification.”

The court heard how the psychological impact on the victim has been severe, with her suffering from nightmares and depression as a direct result of the abuse. The trauma inflicted has had lasting effects, and her suffering was a significant factor in the sentencing.

Joanne Wallbanks, representing Griffiths, acknowledged his previous convictions but emphasized that none were related to sexual offenses. She also conveyed Griffiths’s remorse, stating, “He wants the court to know that he saw the errors of his ways and he mended his ways.”

In addition to the 14-year prison sentence, Griffiths was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was prohibited from engaging in any activities involving children or vulnerable adults. The judge highlighted the severity of his crimes, describing how Griffiths used violence and intimidation to control his victim, including physical assaults, sexual misconduct, and acts of cruelty such as tying her up and forcing her into dangerous situations.

Staffordshire Police expressed their support for the verdict, welcoming the lengthy jail term as a necessary measure to protect the community and prevent further harm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of justice for victims who often suffer in silence for years before their voices are heard.