Child rapist caught decades after evil crimes against little girls
by Isabelle Bates, https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/authors/isabelle-bates/ · Birmingham LiveA paedophile has been jailed for more than 20 years after his sick crimes came to light. Royston Gill was found guilty of a host of offences, including indecent assault, indecency with a child and sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years of age.
The crimes were committed between 1990s and early 2000s, Worcester Crown Court heard. Gill, 58, denied the offences but was found guilty on Wednesday, July 3, of three counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years, six counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child.
His crimes relate to more than one victim, police have said. Gill, of Rose Avenue, Worcester, was remanded straight into custody in July and was sentenced to 21-and-a-half years in jail on Thursday, November 21.
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Detective Constable Gemma Leighton, from South Worcestershire Protecting Vulnerable People team, led the investigation throughout. She said: "Gill subjected his young victims to a sustained campaign of abuse, leaving long-lasting trauma and distress to them.
"I would like to commend the victims, they have shown such courage, strength and bravery by coming forward to the police and giving their evidence to the court and for this they should all be so very proud of themselves.
"I’m pleased with the lengthy sentence handed out and sincerely hope that this brings some comfort to the victims for what they have suffered."
She continued: "I hope this case demonstrates to the community of Worcestershire that West Mercia Police take reports of sexual abuse, including non-recent sexual abuse, very seriously and that we won’t hesitate to investigate thoroughly and robustly to bring offenders to justice."
Support for victims of sexual offences - where to get help
The Survivors Trust
The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK.
Their services work with victims and survivors of all ages, all genders, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, including support for partners and family members.
If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, you can call the free helpline on 08088 010 818.
Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP)
The Rape and Sexual Violence Project - covering Birmingham and Solihull - offers a wide range of services to both survivors and the people supporting you, including compassionate support for male survivors and children and young people.
You can contact the RSVP for free support via their helpline 0121 643 4136 or info@rsvporg.co.uk.
West Midlands Police
If you wish to report a sexual offence, no matter when it took place, you can find out more information here.
If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.