PAUL RHODES BIDDLUPH SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a case that has spanned over four decades, Paul Rhodes, a resident of Biddulph, has been convicted and sentenced for a serious sexual offence committed against a young boy in Stoke-on-Trent. The incident, which took place when Rhodes was approximately 21 years old, involved multiple acts of sexual assault against a schoolboy, with the first occurrence reportedly happening around 1978.

According to court proceedings, Rhodes engaged in these criminal acts on three separate occasions. During the assaults, he used intimidation and physical restraint, notably placing his hand over the victim’s mouth to prevent him from crying out or alerting others. Rhodes also told the young boy not to disclose what had happened, warning him that no one would believe his account. This coercive behavior was intended to silence the victim and maintain control over the situation.

The victim, who was a child at the time, kept the abuse to himself for many years, suffering in silence. It was only in February 2017 that he finally confided in his wife about the traumatic events. The following day, he reported the abuse to the police, leading to a formal investigation. Rhodes was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge of buggery on April 30, during his trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Prosecutor Martin Liddiard detailed the circumstances of the offences, revealing that Rhodes had been drinking prior to the assaults, which may have contributed to his behavior. The court heard that the victim was too frightened to tell anyone about the abuse at the time, fearing disbelief or retaliation. The victim’s account described how Rhodes had held him down, covered his mouth, and inflicted physical pain, leaving him bleeding. The emotional and psychological scars from these events persisted for decades, with the victim expressing feelings of shame, loss of dignity, and a diminished sense of self-worth.

During sentencing, Judge Paul Glenn acknowledged the severity of Rhodes’ actions and the long-lasting impact on the victim. The judge emphasized that Rhodes’ past had finally caught up with him, and he had caused significant harm to the young boy’s physical and emotional well-being. The judge noted that Rhodes’ remorse appeared limited, as he did not demonstrate genuine regret for his actions. As part of his sentence, Rhodes was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and he will be required to register as a sex offender indefinitely. Additionally, he was prohibited from engaging in any activities involving children or vulnerable adults, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.