NATHAN BEAUCHAMP FROM TEWKESBURY AND WORCESTER SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN SHAMBLES AND TEWKESBURY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Tewkesbury and Worcester, Nathan Beauchamp, a man previously known for his role as a bin lorry driver, was convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving young boys. The case, which unfolded over a four-day trial at Gloucester Crown Court, revealed a pattern of abuse that took place over a year, from January 21, 2018, to January 20, 2019.

Beauchamp, aged 41 at the time of the crimes, was found guilty of raping one boy on three separate occasions. The assaults reportedly occurred in various locations, including a bathroom and a hot tub, with the older boy later disclosing the abuse to a teacher after becoming upset at school in June of that year. The teacher promptly reported the incident to the authorities, leading to Beauchamp's arrest and subsequent investigation.

In addition to the charges involving the older boy, Beauchamp was also convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a second boy, aged nine and ten, during the same period. The court heard that Beauchamp had taken care of these children after school, initially acting as a child minder and mentor, which gradually evolved into a grooming process. The court was told that Beauchamp's role in their lives appeared to be one of trust, as he often hosted the boys in his home, which featured a hot tub in the backyard.

Prosecutor Anna Midgley described how Beauchamp's behavior escalated over time, with allegations that he took the older boy into his bedroom and raped him. The victim later recounted that the abuse sometimes happened in the bathroom and once in the hot tub. The court also heard that Beauchamp sexually assaulted the younger boy during a hot tub session, taking advantage of the trust placed in him.

The court was informed that Beauchamp's actions had a profound psychological impact on the victims. The older boy, in particular, showed signs of psychological distress and possible sexual deviance, which was attributed to the abuse. The case also revealed that Beauchamp had a history of viewing pornographic material and was openly bisexual, with a focus on young males, although he did not seek images of children online.

Judge Michael Cullum addressed Beauchamp directly during sentencing, condemning his actions as some of the most serious offenses possible—namely, the rape of a young child. The judge emphasized that Beauchamp had been entrusted with a position of responsibility and trust, which he egregiously betrayed. The judge pointed out that Beauchamp had groomed the boys, exploiting their trust to carry out repeated acts of sexual violence, including anal sex with the older boy under the guise of punishment.

While there was no evidence of physical harm to the victims, the psychological scars and humiliation endured by the boys were considered significant. The court acknowledged the bravery of the victims in coming forward and sharing their experiences, which ultimately led to Beauchamp's conviction.

In sentencing, Judge Cullum imposed a 12-year prison term on Beauchamp, along with an extended period of supervision on parole for an additional year after his release. Furthermore, Beauchamp was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order. These measures aim to protect the community from any potential future harm caused by Beauchamp.

It is noteworthy that Beauchamp was acquitted of causing the death of Sylvia Russell, a 69-year-old pensioner who was tragically killed in Worcester in September 2014 when the bin lorry he was driving ran over her. The trial for her death lasted five days at Hereford Crown Court, where Beauchamp was cleared of any responsibility for her demise. At the time of the Worcester incident, Beauchamp was living in Churchill Grove, Tewkesbury, and working as a refuse truck driver for Smith’s Waste Management.