TERENCE BISHOP'S 22-YEAR SENTENCE FOR CHESTER SEX OFFENCES UPHELD IN APPEAL
| Red Rose Database
Blacon Rapist
In a significant legal decision, the Court of Appeal has upheld the 22-year prison sentence handed down to Terence Bishop, a notorious sex offender from Blacon, Chester. The case, which drew considerable public and judicial attention, involved Bishop being convicted of multiple heinous crimes committed over a span of more than three decades.
Terence Bishop, aged 64 and residing on Blacon Avenue in the Chester suburb of Blacon, was sentenced at Chester Crown Court in June after a comprehensive trial that revealed the extent of his criminal conduct. The court found him guilty of 11 sexual offences, including acts of rape and indecent assault, committed against three victims—two of whom were children. The severity of his crimes and the profound impact on his victims prompted the court to impose a substantial sentence of 22 years in prison.
During the appeal hearing in London, Mr Justice Martin Spencer addressed the court, emphasizing the significant suffering endured by Bishop’s victims. He stated that the victims had “significantly suffered” as a direct result of Bishop’s actions. One victim was described as being plagued with obsessive-compulsive disorder, to the extent that she had, at times, slept with a knife under her pillow, a testament to her ongoing psychological trauma. Another victim had resorted to self-harm and was battling chronic anxiety and depression, while a third was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, illustrating the deep and lasting scars inflicted by Bishop’s abuse.
John Hedgecoe, representing Bishop, argued that the sentence was excessively harsh and should be reduced. However, Mr Justice Spencer dismissed these arguments, aligning his view with that of Judge Patrick Thompson, who originally sentenced Bishop. The judge remarked that the sentence could not adequately reflect the suffering caused to the victims, stating, “The complainants have each endured terrible turmoil in their lives as a result of the offending.”
He further explained that the 22-year term was “well within the range” of appropriate sentences for such offences and was not excessive. Bishop’s conviction stemmed from a trial held at Chester Crown Court in April, where he was found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls and a woman over a period exceeding 30 years. Although Bishop admitted to possessing indecent images of children and animal pornography, he denied the other charges. Despite his denials, the jury convicted him on 11 counts of sexual offences.
Throughout the proceedings, Bishop maintained his innocence, displaying signs of frustration by rolling his eyes and sighing during sentencing. His defense lawyer, John Hedgecoe, stated that he could offer no mitigation, as Bishop continued to deny the allegations. Judge Thompson acknowledged the bravery of the victims, praising their courage in giving testimony during the trial despite being subjected to cross-examination aimed at discrediting their accounts. The judge emphasized that their honesty should be publicly recognized.
Addressing Bishop directly, Judge Thompson criticized his lack of remorse, saying, “You lied in your denials and you didn’t have the courage to accept what you had done to these women and at least give them the comfort that you were remorseful.” The judge condemned Bishop’s attitude, highlighting his indifference to the suffering of his victims and his failure to show empathy.
In sentencing, Judge Thompson stressed that the prison term could not fully reflect the devastating impact of Bishop’s actions. He described the abuse as systematic and targeted at vulnerable individuals, including two children. The judge expressed hope that the victims might now find some closure, come to terms with their past, and look forward to a brighter future.
The sentence comprises 21 years of imprisonment, with an additional year on licence. Bishop, who had no prior convictions for sex offences, will be eligible to apply for parole after serving half of his sentence. Additionally, he is required to sign the sex offenders register and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which prohibits him from sharing a residence with a child and restricts his internet activity. The case was praised by Cheshire Police detectives for their diligent work in building the case against Bishop, ensuring justice was served for his victims.
Terence Bishop, aged 64 and residing on Blacon Avenue in the Chester suburb of Blacon, was sentenced at Chester Crown Court in June after a comprehensive trial that revealed the extent of his criminal conduct. The court found him guilty of 11 sexual offences, including acts of rape and indecent assault, committed against three victims—two of whom were children. The severity of his crimes and the profound impact on his victims prompted the court to impose a substantial sentence of 22 years in prison.
During the appeal hearing in London, Mr Justice Martin Spencer addressed the court, emphasizing the significant suffering endured by Bishop’s victims. He stated that the victims had “significantly suffered” as a direct result of Bishop’s actions. One victim was described as being plagued with obsessive-compulsive disorder, to the extent that she had, at times, slept with a knife under her pillow, a testament to her ongoing psychological trauma. Another victim had resorted to self-harm and was battling chronic anxiety and depression, while a third was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, illustrating the deep and lasting scars inflicted by Bishop’s abuse.
John Hedgecoe, representing Bishop, argued that the sentence was excessively harsh and should be reduced. However, Mr Justice Spencer dismissed these arguments, aligning his view with that of Judge Patrick Thompson, who originally sentenced Bishop. The judge remarked that the sentence could not adequately reflect the suffering caused to the victims, stating, “The complainants have each endured terrible turmoil in their lives as a result of the offending.”
He further explained that the 22-year term was “well within the range” of appropriate sentences for such offences and was not excessive. Bishop’s conviction stemmed from a trial held at Chester Crown Court in April, where he was found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls and a woman over a period exceeding 30 years. Although Bishop admitted to possessing indecent images of children and animal pornography, he denied the other charges. Despite his denials, the jury convicted him on 11 counts of sexual offences.
Throughout the proceedings, Bishop maintained his innocence, displaying signs of frustration by rolling his eyes and sighing during sentencing. His defense lawyer, John Hedgecoe, stated that he could offer no mitigation, as Bishop continued to deny the allegations. Judge Thompson acknowledged the bravery of the victims, praising their courage in giving testimony during the trial despite being subjected to cross-examination aimed at discrediting their accounts. The judge emphasized that their honesty should be publicly recognized.
Addressing Bishop directly, Judge Thompson criticized his lack of remorse, saying, “You lied in your denials and you didn’t have the courage to accept what you had done to these women and at least give them the comfort that you were remorseful.” The judge condemned Bishop’s attitude, highlighting his indifference to the suffering of his victims and his failure to show empathy.
In sentencing, Judge Thompson stressed that the prison term could not fully reflect the devastating impact of Bishop’s actions. He described the abuse as systematic and targeted at vulnerable individuals, including two children. The judge expressed hope that the victims might now find some closure, come to terms with their past, and look forward to a brighter future.
The sentence comprises 21 years of imprisonment, with an additional year on licence. Bishop, who had no prior convictions for sex offences, will be eligible to apply for parole after serving half of his sentence. Additionally, he is required to sign the sex offenders register and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which prohibits him from sharing a residence with a child and restricts his internet activity. The case was praised by Cheshire Police detectives for their diligent work in building the case against Bishop, ensuring justice was served for his victims.