May 2014 Bloxwich pensioner jailed for string of historic sex offences on young boy A Walsall pensioner has been jailed for three years for a string of historic sex offences on a young boy. Eighty-two-year-old Joseph Horney was convicted of grooming his victim more than 30 years ago and carrying out a succession of sickening sex attacks. Speaking at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday (Thursday) Judge Michael Challinor said it was clear he had groomed his young victim, adding: “Your victim has carried the burden of your abuse for many years and you are directly responsible for that.” Horney, of Glastonbury Crescent, Bloxwich admitted six charges of indecent assault committed between October 1981 and October 1984. Miss Samantha Forsyth, prosecuting, said Horney was responsible for a course of conduct against his young victim who had been groomed over a two to three-year period. The abuse had a “heavy toll” on the life of the victim and Horney was arrested when he finally revealed what had taken place. Judge Challinor said the case was “very significant” and, despite Horney’s medical problems, his sentence had to be both a punishment and a deterrent. “I accept prison for you will be life limiting and very damaging,” he told Horney. “I have to pass a sentence that will reflect the public abhorrence of this sort of offending against young children. It can take years for this sort of offence to come to light but people must know the police will catch up with them.” As well as the custodial sentence Horney was told he must register as a Sex Offender for the rest of his life, and was barred from ever working with children.