PAUL RHODES JAILED IN STOKE-ON-TRENT FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL OFFENCE AGAINST SCHOOLBOY
Paul Rhodes, aged 61 and of St John's Road, Biddulph, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after admitting to a serious sexual offence committed against a schoolboy over 40 years ago.The offence occurred when Rhodes was approximately 21 years old, and involved the victim on three separate occasions.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told that Rhodes had put his hand over the boy's mouth and told him not to speak, claiming he would not be believed.
The victim only reported the abuse to police in February of the previous year.
Rhodes pleaded guilty to buggery on April 30, the day his trial was scheduled to begin.
Prosecutor Martin Liddiard stated that the defendant had been drinking before telling his victim to stay quiet and then committing the first offence.
He explained, "The boy was too scared to tell anybody what had taken place." About a week later, Rhodes allegedly told the victim, "You can't tell anybody, no one will believe you," before covering the boy's mouth and assaulting him.
The court heard that the victim confided in his wife about the incidents just before his police interview in February 2017.
Rhodes’s plea was based on the fact that the offences happened on at least three occasions.
Joanne Wallbanks, representing Rhodes, stated that her client could not remember the offences but noted that his pre-sentence report suggests some understanding of the damage caused to victims.
"In the 40 years since, he has committed no further offences," she said.
Judge Paul Glenn addressed Rhodes directly, saying, "Your past has finally caught up with you." He described how the offences inflicted physical pain and fear on the victim, who told the court he felt helpless, was held down, had his mouth covered, and was left bleeding.
The judge highlighted the victim's self-blame, his disclosure to his wife the day before reporting to police, and his feelings of inadequacy and loss of dignity.
The judge emphasized that Rhodes had shown little remorse, stating, "You do not really express remorse for what you did." He also noted the significant and lasting impact the abuse had on the victim, including the premature ending of his childhood.
Rhodes was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison and will be listed on the sex offender register indefinitely.
Additionally, he was barred from engaging in activities involving children and vulnerable adults.
