RICHARD NORMAN FROM NORWICH SENTENCED FOR MULTIPLE RAPE AND SEXUAL ATTACKS IN LONDON AND NORWICH

In a significant case that has spanned decades, Richard Norman, a 67-year-old man from Norwich, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a teenage girl in the early 1980s. The crimes, which include multiple rapes and sexual assaults, were committed when the victim was in her mid-teens, and the case only came to light after a lengthy investigation and trial.

Norman, who resided on Waterloo Road in Norwich, was found guilty at Ipswich Crown Court and subsequently sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison. The court heard that Norman had groomed the young girl in 1982, during a period when she was struggling with her school and family life. Exploiting her vulnerability, he persuaded her to leave her home in Norwich and travel with him to London, where the abuse continued.

During their time in London, Norman exerted control over the girl, subjecting her to repeated sexual assaults at various homes belonging to friends and relatives. The victim, feeling powerless and afraid, felt unable to return to her family in Norwich. Despite the distance, Norman maintained contact with her after bringing her back to Norfolk, and the abuse persisted. The victim endured further trauma, including being held captive in homemade wooden restraints, which left lasting scars.

It was only after many years that she was able to break free from Norman’s influence. Now in her late 40s, she bravely came forward to police, leading to Norman’s arrest and subsequent trial. The court found him guilty of two counts of rape in 1982, one in 1983, two sexual assaults in 1983, and one count of false imprisonment in 1983. Norman was sentenced to three concurrent 15-year terms for the rapes, two years for the indecent assaults, and five years for false imprisonment. Upon release, he will be subject to parole and license conditions.

Detective Sergeant Martin James of Norfolk Constabulary’s Rape Investigation Unit described Norman as “one of the most disturbing characters” he had encountered. He also emphasized that police are not ruling out the possibility of additional victims, given Norman’s history and pattern of behavior. During the investigation, it was revealed that Norman has used numerous aliases, including Richard Wilson, Richard Shearsby, Warren Crozier, Richard Carter, Richard Nelson, Oliver Cohen, and Maurice Carter. His criminal record includes convictions for kidnapping, grievous bodily harm, and assault against women.

Norman’s criminal history also includes previous residences in London’s Greenwich and Grove Park, as well as time spent living in Australia and New Zealand. The case has highlighted the importance of victim support, with the survivor continuing to receive assistance from the Harbour Centre, Norfolk’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre. Norfolk police and support agencies continue to encourage victims of sexual violence to come forward and seek help, emphasizing that support services are available 24/7 through the Harbour Centre at 0845 456 4810.

Detective Sergeant James praised the victim’s courage in confronting her past and participating in the trial, acknowledging the trauma involved in reliving such events after so many years. Norman’s imprisonment aims to ensure public safety and provide some measure of justice for the survivor and others who may have suffered at his hands.