ORVILLE VAUGHAN SENTENCED IN SWINDON FOR HISTORICAL RAPE CASES

In a significant development at Swindon Crown Court, 52-year-old Orville Vaughan of Allington Road has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of two counts of rape stemming from incidents that occurred decades ago. The court's decision follows a thorough investigation into allegations that spanned over a period of many years, highlighting the persistent efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims of historical sexual offenses.

Vaughan was found guilty of assaulting two teenage girls during separate incidents. The first victim, who was only 13 years old at the time of her assault in the 1980s, recounted her experience and expressed a sense of relief following the court's ruling. She revealed that she had kept her ordeal a secret for 28 years, choosing not to disclose the abuse until recent years. Her decision to come forward was partly motivated by her desire for justice and closure.

Initially, police investigations into her allegations did not yield enough evidence to pursue a conviction. However, after she appealed for support on the internet, two additional women came forward with similar accounts, strengthening the case against Vaughan. The victim emphasized that it is never too late to seek justice, encouraging others who have suffered in silence to report their experiences to the authorities. She stated, “It’s never too late, whether it be 10 years, 15, or 28 like mine. Go to the police, don’t carry it with you. Knowing I can go out of my door, go anywhere I like in Swindon now and that I’m not going to bump into him. I feel free.”

Wiltshire Police, through their Cold Case Review Unit, played a crucial role in revisiting the evidence and ensuring that Vaughan was held accountable. Detective Sergeant Rob Findlay, who led the investigation, expressed his satisfaction that justice had been served. He acknowledged the long-lasting impact of the crimes, stating, “The rapes happened a long time ago and caused great distress to the victims at the time and in the years since. I would like to commend their bravery in coming forward to give evidence.”

As part of his sentence, Vaughan will be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the remainder of his life. Additionally, he will be prohibited from working with children upon his release, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community. The case underscores the importance of perseverance in pursuing justice for victims of sexual abuse, regardless of how much time has passed since the offenses occurred.