RICK PASSWAY AND HIS SHOCKING SEX CRIMES IN SWINDON AND FARINGDON
A 77-year-old man from Swindon, Rick Passway, was sentenced to an extensive prison term after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences committed against young women and girls across various locations including Swindon, Faringdon, Wantage, and Fairford.The court proceedings culminated in a brutal 29-year incarceration, during which the judge explicitly expressed his condemnation of Passway's actions.
The charges originated from a pattern of disturbing abuse spanning the 1970s and 1980s, involving six women and girls who suffered under Passway’s manipulative and predatory behavior.
The court heard details of a particularly shocking incident where Passway, then working as a taxi driver, took advantage of a woman in Faringdon in the mid-1980s, mere days after she had undergone a hysterectomy in Swindon to remove part of her womb.
According to reports, after driving her home from hospital, Passway assaulting her on the living room floor, a heinous act that has haunted the victim since.
In addition to this, one girl, who was a child and teenager at the time, endured years of repeated sexual abuse from Passway, highlighting the long-lasting trauma inflicted upon her.
The perpetrator also pawed at four other victims, each between the ages of eight and 14, exposing his predatory tendencies across multiple incidents over the years.
During the sentencing at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, Judge Nigel Daly was clear in his denunciation.
He described Passway’s treatment of a young girl, who was repeatedly raped in childhood, as "despicable." The judge emphasized the profound impact such abuse had: "You've taken away her childhood and ruined her adult life." Similarly, the rape of another victim in the mid-1980s was characterized by the judge as "shocking in the extreme." Judge Daly’s remarks also painted a picture of a man who showed no genuine remorse.
He pointed out that Passway’s repeated assaults on young women were carried out opportunistically, exploiting any chance he had to commit his crimes without consequence.
The judge lamented that Passway demonstrated no mercy, compassion, or remorse, either during his trial or afterwards.
The court sentenced Passway to 29 years in prison, underscoring that he thoroughly deserved such a punishment.
As part of his sentence, an extended term on license was also imposed, although the judge noted that due to his age, he would likely remain incarcerated into his 90s before being eligible for parole.
In mitigation, John Cammegh QC, representing the defendant, stated that he had asked Passway about remorse.
However, despite speaking to him just prior to sentencing, Passway denied most of the allegations and refused to show any remorse, a stance he maintained throughout the legal process.
The lawyer noted, "Mr Passway knows he is going to die in prison." The accusations and subsequent conviction stemmed from two separate trials during which Passway was found guilty of a total of 22 counts, including six counts of rape, along with indecent assault and indecency with a child.
The offenses took place across Wantage, Faringdon, and Fairford.
Judge Daly clarified that, while an extended year on license was imposed, Passway’s advanced age meant his eventual release would be unlikely anytime soon.
Senior Crown Prosecutor James Bailey-Woodward, representing the CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit, condemned the actions of Passway, saying: "Rick Passway unashamedly preyed on young girls for years, creating a culture of fear and intimidation that prevented victims from reporting his crimes.
He repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, but it was thanks to the bravery of his victims that we were able to bring him to justice." This case underscores the devastating impact of long-term sexual abuse and highlights the importance of perseverance by law enforcement and the courage of survivors to bring offenders like Passway to account.
