JOHN STABLES ACCRINGTON SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR SIX RAPE CASES IN THE 1970S

In a case that has spanned decades, John Stables, a 63-year-old man from Accrington, has been found guilty of committing six counts of rape and one count of indecent assault, all of which occurred during the 1970s. The conviction was delivered after a detailed week-long trial held at Burnley Crown Court, where the jury carefully examined the evidence and testimonies presented against him.

Stables, who is now retired and resides on Marlborough Road in Accrington, had previously admitted to six allegations of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child. Despite serving a prison sentence nearly 40 years ago for molesting the same victim when she was just six years old, he continued to instill fear and commit further acts of abuse. The court heard that his pattern of predatory behavior persisted long after his initial incarceration.

The jury acquitted Stables of three counts of indecency with a child and six counts of indecent assault, following the judge’s instructions. Judge Michael Byrne emphasized the seriousness of the crimes and warned Stables that he was likely to face a “substantial custodial sentence,” which is typical in cases of such gravity. The judge also ordered a professional assessment to evaluate any ongoing risk the defendant might pose before final sentencing.

During the trial, it was revealed that the victim, who is now in her 40s, had endured her suffering in silence for many years, believing that Stables was armed with a shotgun during the assaults. The rapes reportedly ceased when she was 15, after she began harming herself and threatened to take her own life. The victim’s account painted a picture of prolonged abuse, with Stables grooming her and coercing her into submission over many years.

It was only last year that police questioned Stables about his conduct, following the victim’s decision to report him. He claimed that their relationship was consensual and that she had taken time off school for sexual encounters. Prosecutor Heather Lloyd described how Stables manipulated and educated his victim to comply with his demands, threatening her with severe consequences if she resisted or complained. Lloyd emphasized that her compliance was not genuine consent but submission under duress.

In her testimony, the victim recounted how Stables had threatened her with death or imprisonment, leading her to believe he was armed with a shotgun. She later discovered that the weapon was actually an air rifle. Throughout the proceedings, Stables’ defense portrayed him as “a dedicated family man,” and he expressed remorse, apologizing to his victim and acknowledging that his actions were wrong. The court also heard that he had threatened to commit suicide because of his behavior, indicating the profound remorse and distress he experienced.

As the case concluded, the judge underscored the gravity of the crimes committed by Stables and the lasting impact on his victim, highlighting the importance of justice for victims of such heinous acts.