ROBERT AND RITA OLDHAM FROM MANSFIELD SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD RAPES IN CLIPSTONE

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Mansfield, a couple from Clipstone has been formally sentenced for their involvement in the sexual abuse of three young girls spanning over a decade. Robert and Rita Oldham, aged 53 and 51 respectively, faced justice after a lengthy investigation into their heinous crimes that took place between 1993 and 2006.

According to court proceedings, Robert Oldham pleaded guilty to 16 separate charges, including multiple counts of rape and indecent assault. His sentence was handed down as a result of his admission of guilt, and he was sentenced to a term of 20 years in prison. The severity of his crimes was underscored by the judge, who described the case as “a catalogue of depravity,” emphasizing the profound impact of his actions on the victims.

Rita Oldham, his wife, also pleaded guilty to three charges, which included one count of rape, one of indecent assault, and a third for wilfully neglecting and exposing a child to assault and ill-treatment by her husband. She was sentenced to six years in prison. The court heard that her involvement was significant, though less extensive than her husband's, and she admitted to her role in the abuse.

The offences occurred at various addresses within Nottinghamshire over a period of 13 years. Despite the guilty pleas, the Oldhams denied several other charges brought against them, maintaining their innocence on those counts. During sentencing, Judge John Milmo expressed his profound disapproval, stating, “I have rarely come across such a catalogue of depravity,” highlighting the disturbing nature of the crimes.

One of the victims, who was only three years old when first assaulted, provided a heartbreaking statement in court. She described her ongoing struggle with the trauma, saying, “My only way of surviving has been to lock all the memories away and try to pretend it had all happened to someone else. But the dreadful memories eat away at you all the time, day-by-day, month-by-month, year-by-year.”

Another victim shared her personal ordeal, revealing that the abuse had a lasting impact on her mental health. She recounted attempting to take her own life at the age of 12, saying, “I had a mental breakdown and tried to commit suicide. I tried to take a load of pills. The school just put it down to bullying — nobody listened to what I had to say.” She expressed regret that her suffering was not recognized earlier, emphasizing the importance of listening to victims and encouraging others in similar situations to speak out, saying, “They could have saved three of us from a lot of heartache and suffering that we had to go through. I just want to urge people if they’re in the same situations not to give up, and to speak out and to be heard. It might take a while but you will get there.”

The Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children’s Board confirmed that the case has now been referred to the Serious Case Review Panel for further examination. The investigation into the Oldhams’ crimes was described as detailed and sensitive, with authorities providing ongoing support to the victims as they work towards recovery.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Louise Gowan, who has dedicated nine years to investigating child and sexual abuse cases and led the police inquiry into this case, commented on the Oldhams’ character. She described them as “cold, selfish and utterly lacking in remorse for their crimes,” and expressed her hope that the prison sentences will serve as a measure of justice for the victims. Gowan emphasized that the damage inflicted on the three young girls was profound and lasting, and reassured that law enforcement will continue to support the victims as they rebuild their lives. All three victims expressed their desire for their abusers to be imprisoned for a very long time, seeking justice and closure for the horrific acts committed against them.