Search results for West Midlands

Description

A man has been jailed for 25 years for non-recent rape and sexual offences against a woman and children.

Neil Chiddy, 49, of no fixed abode, was sentenced for his offences, which were carried out over several years, at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 15 October.

He was convicted by a jury of two counts of the rape of a child, one count of the rape of a woman, two counts of indecent assault, three counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of sexual assault against a child following a trial at the same court in July.

He has also been handed a restraining order not to contact his victims for an indefinite period.

Three separate victims, one woman and two children, reported being subjected to sexual assaults by Chiddy over a number of years and we have maintained contact with them throughout the course of the investigation, and they have been offered access to any support services they may benefit from.

His offending included the sexual abuse of children, grooming behaviour that escalated to repeated rape, and the rape of an adult woman.

Chiddy carried out the offences in Wiltshire and the Bath and North East Somerset area and was arrested in the West Midlands in November 2022 after a victim made a disclosure to their family and police after several years.

Chiddy’s victims outlined the impact his offending had on them in statements which were read in court on their behalf.

One victim said:

“It has taken me years to accept what has happened. At the time, I did not know that what was happening to me was not normal.

“It took me years to speak to anyone about what he had done. I kept silent, I was ashamed and I was worried about the impact on my family.

“When I eventually told someone what he had done to me, it finally felt real.  I can’t really recall what happened after it was reported to the police – it was a blur. I was ashamed and worried what people would ask me if they found out.”

“To this day, I am still trying to process what on Earth had gone on.”

T/DS Olivia McNeill, the investigating officer from our Criminal Investigations Department (CID), said:

“Chiddy’s offending demonstrated a sustained pattern of predatory sexual behaviour spanning several decades.

“He showed clear, calculated behaviour and groomed his victims into staying silent for many years, meaning he felt he had gotten away with these utterly despicable crimes.

“While a 25-year sentence cannot undo the trauma he has caused, we would like to pay testament to the victims’ courage in coming forward after so many years, which is both inspiring and commendable.

“Their bravery and commitment to support our investigation has ensured that Chiddy is finally facing justice for his crimes, and we hope this brings them some closure.

“We also want to remind victims and survivors of sexual abuse that these crimes are taken incredibly seriously, and they will be listened to, supported, and believed, no matter how long ago the offences were committed.”

Description

A violent abuser has been jailed for subjecting his victim to years of physical and sexual abuse.

Martin Lloyd was jailed after carrying out what the Judge described as a 'campaign of violence.'

The woman bravely got in touch with us in October 2025 after she managed to escape Lloyd and disclosed years of abuse to officers.

An investigation was launched which found that the 39-year-old had attacked his victim with an array of weapons such as a machete, chains and a baseball bat resulting in a broken nose and leg injuries.

On one occasion, 48 hours after the woman had undergone life-changing surgery, he attacked and raped her. In another violent attack, she was left with a footprint on her face, before being raped.

Detectives arrested Lloyd and he was charged with multiple offences.

In July, Lloyd, of no fixed address, was convicted of three counts of rape, two counts of ABH (actual bodily harm), and using controlling and coercive behaviour.

On Monday (14 Sep) at Birmingham Crown Court, he was handed a total sentence of 25 years - 19 years in custody and six years on extended licence.

DC Stephen Dunford, from our Adult Abuse Investigation Team, said:

"Domestic abuse doesn’t go unnoticed and sometimes the victim is the last person to see that they are a victim. In this case, professional agencies had a history of records that, once the victim felt strong enough to approach police, could be used alongside her evidence to prove Lloyd’s conduct beyond any doubt.

"Lloyd is a dangerous individual, with a long history of domestic abuse convictions against multiple women, and he has never shown any remorse for his actions.

"We have provided the woman with support since she reported the abuse, and we commend her bravery in coming forward to share about her horrifying experiences."

Description

A man has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 13-and-a-half years for the religiously aggravated rape and assault of a Sikh woman in her home in Walsall.

John Ashby, 32, of no fixed address, was sentenced today (24 April 2026) at Birmingham Crown Court. He pleaded guilty on the second day of his trial, having previously denied the charges.

On 26 October 2025, Ashby was on the same bus as the victim, who was a stranger to him, after she finished work and travelled home. CCTV footage captured him following her off the bus and all the way to her address. 

A short time after arriving home, she went upstairs to change and then to the bathroom, which was unlocked as she believed she was alone in the house. She heard a noise and, thinking her flatmate had returned, rushed to lock the bathroom door.  Ashby forced his way in before she could do so.

He ordered her to remove her clothes, struck her with a stick, put his hands around her neck and strangled her, before demanding she climb into the bath and raping her.

During the attack, Ashby directed Islamophobic abuse at the victim, whom he believed to be Muslim, telling her she was dirty. He fled after being was disturbed by a noise outside.

Building the case

The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with West Midlands Police to build a strong case based on multiple strands of evidence.

CCTV footage showed Ashby following the victim from the bus, surveying her property before gaining entry, picking up a stick, along with his fingerprints and DNA on a vape and a toothbrush left in the bathroom.

The victim provided a detailed video-recorded interview describing the full extent of the offences, including the religiously motivated abuse used throughout the attack. Three days later, she attended an identity parade and positively identified Ashby as her attacker, leading to his arrest the same day.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Rav Dhillon from the Crown Prosecution Service said:

"This was a deeply disturbing attack driven by religious hatred, carried out against an innocent woman in her own home – where she had every right to be and feel safe. 

"John Ashby targeted a complete stranger, subjected her to prolonged violence and religiously motivated abuse, and left her traumatised. The CPS worked closely with West Midlands Police to present a robust case based on CCTV footage, DNA evidence, and witness testimony. The fact Ashby initially denied these charges before changing his plea part-way through the trial reflects the strength of the evidence against him.

"We invited the court to treat the religious hostility shown throughout this offending as an aggravating feature. No one should be subjected to violence and hatred because of their background – perceived or otherwise. 

“Our thoughts remain with the victim, who showed remarkable courage, and we hope today’s sentencing brings her some measure of justice.”

Description

A teenager has spoken bravely of the ordeal she suffered, as the man who raped her was sentenced to a total of 24 years in prison.

Carl Houldey, from Tipton, was arrested after we were contacted by the girl alongside members of her family – when she reported that she had been attacked.

Specialist officers carried out extensive enquiries including a sensitive video recorded interview with the girl, interviews of Houldey, forensic analysis of clothing, and analysis of his phone.

He was subsequently charged with four counts of rape and a number of other sexual offences.

However, following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, the 65-year-old was found guilty by a jury and was sentenced on Thursday 3 July to 24 years in prison, with a minimum of 16 years to be served before he is eligible for parole.

Houldey, of Shakespeare Road, was also put on the sex offenders register for life, given a sexual harm prevention order, and a restraining order against the girl he abused.

The girl has been supported by our officers throughout the court process, and as a survivor of sexual assault, has life-long anonymity by law.

In her victim personal statement, which she read from behind a screen in court, she said she wants people to be aware of what she went through: “Before this happened, I used to feel happy and safe. I liked going to school, playing with my friends, and spending time with my family.

“But after what he did, everything changed.

“At the beginning I felt upset and worried about what was going to happen next. I keep wondering if it was my fault, even though people tell me it wasn’t.

“I wish this had never happened to me. I just want to feel normal again.

“I am proud of myself that I told someone about it.

“I’m trying to be strong, even though I don’t feel strong. I have some good friends, and I am going to try and enjoy my life that is now different because of what you did to me.”

Investigating officer, DC Adrian Jackson, from our Public Protection Unit, said:

“Hearing that statement was incredibly powerful.

“By bravely speaking out and explaining what happened to her, a dangerous rapist has been put behind bars.

“She talks of moving forward with her life and that is something we all hope for, as well as knowing that by speaking out she has potentially protected others.

“The girl’s school safeguarding team must be commended for providing invaluable support to her during the investigation.

“For anyone reading this who has suffered abuse – support is available in a number of different places, and we are here for you.”

Description

A rapist from Worcester who duped a man into visiting his flat then raped him in 2009 has today (Monday 12 May) been sentenced to nine years at court.

Steven Ronan Wilson, 55, (pictured) previously known as Stephen Dorr, of Penncricket Lane, Rowley Regis, was handed the term at Worcester Crown Court, after he was previously found guilty of rape and sexual assault on 4 April.

Wilson’s victim had been on a night out in Worcester city centre in 2009 when he left his friends to go home and went to a taxi rank on The Cross to wait for a taxi.

There, he was approached by Stephen Wilson - who he did not know and had never seen before - and was asked whether he wanted to go back to his flat in Worcester to attend “a party where there are lot of girls.”

However, when the victim arrived at the flat there was no party and no girls. As he entered the flat, Wilson locked the door behind him.

Wilson put some pornography on the TV and told him to perform oral sex on him.

Believing he had no choice and fearing for his safety, he carried out the act for which Wilson was charged with rape. Wilson then sexually assaulted his victim.

Detective Constable Chris Hawkes, who led the investigation, said: “Wilson’s victim was incredibly scared during his time trapped in his flat and feared for his safety as he did not know Wilson, or what he was capable of.

“His awful ordeal lasted for three or four hours as it was light outside when Wilson eventually allowed him to leave the flat.”

The victim recognised Wilson – previously known as Stephen Dorr - after his picture appeared in the local press in 2011 in connection with a conviction for grooming offences involving boys in similar situations.

Today at court, Wilson received a nine-year custodial sentence for rape with a concurrent two-year custodial sentence for sexual assault. 

Wilson was also ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

DC Hawkes added: “We are pleased to get this court result for Wilson who subjected his victim to a degrading and humiliating ordeal back in 2009.

“The victim only came forward in 2021 having seen local press articles online about sexual offences committed by Wilson - formerly called Stephen Dorr - in 2011.

“We hope this shows that we will always take reports of sexual assault and rape seriously, no matter how long ago they occurred and always investigate them thoroughly.

“The victim in this case showed incredible bravery and strength to come forward about Wilson’s crimes, and we hope his conviction will go some way to help him move forward with his life.”