ROY SPENCER SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON IN CHORLEY FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In July 2014, Roy Spencer, a 73-year-old man from no fixed address, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of sexual offences involving a 15-year-old girl in Chorley. Spencer took the vulnerable teenager to a hotel, where he used her as a prostitute, knowing she was desperate for money. Preston Crown Court heard that the girl, from Chorley, was made to feel uneasy but was coerced by Spencer, who told her she would not be paid if she did not comply with his sexual demands.

Judge Heather Lloyd described Spencer’s actions as abuse, stating, “You abused her and used her as a commodity.” Throughout his trial, Spencer denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty of three counts of sexual activity with a minor and one count of inciting sexual activity.

The court was told that the girl was so traumatised by the experience that she was hospitalised afterwards. While still an inpatient, Spencer continued attempts to contact her family in an effort to 'buy' her.

The court revealed that Spencer’s first contact with the girl occurred the previous summer after he paid an older woman she knew for sexual services. Describing her background as dysfunctional, the girl had approached Spencer seeking £140 to settle a drugs debt, aware of his financial stability. Spencer agreed to meet her and booked a hotel room.

Judge Lloyd highlighted the significant age difference, noting, “In law she was still a child, and you knew that.” The victim was physically sick after the ordeal, and her distress was compounded when she confided in an adult, who instead encouraged her to make contact with Spencer again and offered further sexual services.

In sentencing, Judge Lloyd emphasized the sordid nature of Spencer’s conduct, stating, “Whether (the girl) consented or not to what happened that day, the sexual activity you engaged in with her was sordid. She felt under pressure from various sources and so she succumbed to sexual activity with you and the woman.” She also pointed out Spencer’s history of exploiting financially vulnerable individuals, mentioning prior court cases involving text messages to teenage girls.

The judge concluded that Spencer used his financial stability to manipulate those in hardship and criticized his lack of remorse and insight, asserting, “You blame (the girl) and believe you are the victim in all this.”

A Lancashire police spokesperson condemned the offences, describing them as “despicable” and noting the case’s sinister nature given Spencer’s denial. The officer paid tribute to the bravery of the victim and praised the investigative team and Crown Prosecution Service for securing the conviction, emphasizing that the sentence reflects the depravity of his actions.